Feb 8 2010
An offshore wind farm with the capability to generate about 100 MW is proposed to be developed in the Southwest Lamma Channel by HK Electric. About 170 million units of electricity will be generated per annum from this facility, which is enough to meet the electricity needs of approximately 50,000 homes in Hong Kong.
The 600-hectare wind farm site will comprise approximately 28 to 35 wind turbines, each between 2.3 and 3.6 MW range. The project site, which is situated four kilometers away from the Lamma Island, has been reviewed by EIA for environmental efficiency and its report confirms that the eight proposed sites are the best choice for the project. The project is planned for completion by the year 2015.
The EIA report also revealed that since Hong Kong lacks land resources for the development of wind energy, offshore wind farms can be developed for harnessing wind energy. For the determination of the site, various factors were assessed including marine ecology, cultural heritage, environmental impacts, noise, water quality, fisheries and nature conservation.
Mr. Frank Lau, General Manager (Projects) of HK Electric, said that the company has started this project not only to support the policy of the government to develop renewable energy in Hong Kong but also to demonstrate its commitment to help fight climate change. Lau commented that the project will potentially replace the use of 62,000 tonnes of coal per annum thus reducing 150,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, 520 tonnes of sulphur dioxide and 240 tonnes of nitrogen oxide emissions.
Source: http://www.heh.com