Climate change affects the world, and Hong Kong cannot be immune from it alone.
CLP announced earlier that it plans to replace natural gas for power generation with green hydrogen energy in the long-term. In an exclusive interview with "Hong Kong 01", Secretary of the Environment Huang Jinxing revealed that the power company has signed cooperation agreements with international companies. According to his understanding, hydrogen energy may be initially tested next year. Power generation.
CLP responded by stating that it has signed a memorandum of cooperation with GE and is closely monitoring the technological development of green hydrogen production, storage, and transportation in order to formulate a hydrogen power generation pilot project plan.
The Hongkong Electric said it was still discussing how to use new technologies such as hydrogen energy and could not provide any timetable.
Interview with Huang Jinxing:
01 Interview｜Huang Jinxing expects to complete the replacement of smart meters in three years and will push electricity charges by time periods
In the "Hong Kong Climate Action Blueprint 2050", it is mentioned that the Hong Kong Government aims to increase the proportion of renewable energy in the fuel mix for power generation from no more than 1% to 7.5% to 10% by 2035.
During the interview, Huang Jinxing said frankly that the relevant goals are enterprising, but he is confident that with the cooperation of technology and various aspects, he can move towards the goal.
He also gave an example that it is expected that the power generation generated by the "Feed-in Tariff" plan next year will be sufficient for the residents of Wan Chai District.
The "Blueprint" also mentioned "regional cooperation" many times, saying that Hong Kong can explore the feasibility of developing new energy projects overseas. I was asked if I was worried that this would affect the stability of Hong Kong's power supply?
Huang Jinxing pointedly pointed out that "I don't have to worry about everything. Stable and reliable power supply is the most basic and important requirement." In the future, technology can also be used to solve related concerns.
CLP launched the new gas generator set D1.
(Profile picture / Photo by Luo Junhao)
Huang: Regional cooperation is not simple in the Greater Bay Area
Huang Jinxing continued, "Regional cooperation in our area is wider, not simpler than the Greater Bay Area." For example, in the future, hydrogen power generation will be introduced, and hydrogen can be imported from relatively far away places.
Regarding the trial of hydrogen power generation in Hong Kong, he pointed out that he learned that the power company has signed a cooperation agreement with international companies, and the preliminary trial may be conducted next year. The details will be announced by the power company.
In addition, although Hong Kong aims to phase out coal-fired power generation by 2035, in the 26th United Nations Climate Conference (COP26), China supports the change of the wording of "elimination" to "gradual reduction" in coal use. Will Hong Kong follow?
Huang Jinxing believes that there is no need to compare directly with Hong Kong. "As a relatively wealthy city, Hong Kong can be better than other places."
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It is expected that there will be a clearer layout of the new incinerator next year
In addition to exploring hydrogen power generation, the authorities plan to "turn waste into energy" to meet about 3% to 4% of Hong Kong's electricity demand.
Huang Jinxing pointed out that the government is studying the construction of another incinerator. In terms of site selection, it will "think comprehensively, and the overall layout will be clearer next year."
As for garbage charges, he expects to be formally implemented in 2023 and will report to the Legislative Council on the progress in the first half of next year.
At present, clean recycling facilities will be added, including "green areas", "recycling convenience points", etc., and tenders will be launched for the production of designated garbage bags.
He also said that this month is the first anniversary of the recycling convenience point, and 100,000 "Green Rewards" recycling points cards have been dispatched, describing it as a "milestone."
In addition, the "Lantau Tomorrow" study summary document submitted by the government includes the construction of an undersea tunnel connecting the artificial island to the west of Hong Kong Island, or the permanent reclamation of the Victoria Harbour.
Huang Jinxing emphasized that the future development project "environmental protection will be at the highest level", but also called "Frankly speaking, one (application) has no relationship with our department." He believes that the existing mechanism can balance development and conservation.
01 Interview｜Huang Jinxing denies that the killing of wild boars is related to police injuries and claims that electricity bills will be brewing for a period of time｜International fuel prices will rise Report｜Huang Jinxing: Next month, housing estates will test the conversion of food waste collection stations for recycling purposes.
