CLP and wind energy company Wind Prospect are exploring the feasibility of developing a commercial scale offshore wind farm of up to 200MW in the south-eastern waters of Hong Kong.

CLP Power Hong Kong Limited is the largest electric utility in Hong Kong. It operates a vertically integrated electricity generation, transmission and distribution business.

The two entities have presented the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study of the proposed Hong Kong Offshore Wind Farm Project for a 30-day public consultation. The statutory public consultation period will close on 2 July 2009.

The concept of developing an offshore wind farm in the HKSAR arose following the release of the First Sustainable Development Strategy for Hong Kong in May 2005. CLP joined as a partner in 2006.

The potential for large-scale land-based renewable energy development in the HKSAR is limited due to lack of land availability – most land being already developed, under conservation protection, and / or simply ill-suited for large-scale deployment of renewable energy. The companies recommend that HKSAR offshore waters offer more usable space, and of the offshore technologies available, wind power is viable for large-scale development.

According to CLP, other than environmental impact assessment, the study has encompassed site selection, marine safety, engineering studies and physical trials of technologies for construction in the offshore environment. The proposed project has adopted the suction caisson foundation concept, an advanced and environmentally-friendly foundation technology, that is able to minimise disturbance to the seabed and marine environment.

The feasibility study to date indicates that developing an off-shore wind farm in Hong Kong is technically feasible and environmentally acceptable, said Alex Tancock, General Manager of Wind Prospect HK Ltd.