Sphere No.45 (Sep 2018)

<< HK Electric is going gas HK Electric has been burning coal to supply energy to Hong Kong Island and Lamma Island since 1890. Hong Kong Island had gas street lamps for some time, but these were largely replaced by electric street lights by the late 1930s. The Lamma Power Station currently keeps the lights on for approximately 1.5 million residents as well as a massive commercial district dominated by electricity-dependent skyscrapers. HK Electric uses some of the cleanest burning coal in the world and deploys the most rigorous emission-reducing scrubbers and systems available, but with coal-fired turbines approaching the end of their asset life cycle, investing in further emission improvement for the existing coal plants will not be cost-effective. The future is natural gas. Two new gas-fired generating units have been commissioned in recent years. Three more new units will come online in 2020 and 2022, and will replace five coal-fired units and an old converted gas-fired unit. HK Electric’s shift to gas is a key part of the Hong Kong government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 65% to 70% by 2030 (using 2005 as the baseline). The phasing out of coal and the adoption of gas will see new units produce approximately 50% fewer carbon emissions per unit of electricity produced. They are also being equipped with advanced cycle gas turbine technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Newer gas turbines are also more efficient and cost-effective than their older counterparts. Other than gas, HK Electric also supports the wider use of renewable energy. The Company has installed the city’s largest solar power system and operates Hong Kong’s only wind power station, Lamma Winds. Going gas and renewable energy is the clean way forward for Hong Kong – and the planet. SPHERE #45 2018 15 Australian Gas Networks is conducting research and running tests to bring hydrogen into their gas network, helping to decarbonise Australia’s gas supply. gas grid joint industry association. AGIG played a leading role in developing the vision as well as sponsoring the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre. It has its eye firmly on the future and is working with national partners for Australia’s energy future – and a better world. GAS FOR THE FUTURE In the old days ... people were pretty happy to give up burning unreliable and smelly whale oil, candles and coal following the advent of gas. As long as explosions, fires and suffocations were kept down to a dull roar, Victorians recognised it as the major advance for safety, convenience and health that it was. Safety is now paramount, but gas distribution companies across CKI are showing vision and leadership in research that will transform not just the gas business, but the entire energy grids and even the planet’s future. By collaborating and sharing with CKI counterparts, academics and governments, Wales & West Utilities, NGN and AGIG are leading their nations out of the dark and into a bright, clean, gas-friendly future.