In 2023, the state of electricity consumption in Hong Kong SAR China is heavily dominated by fossil energy, which comprises more than 75% of the total electricity production. Gas represents a substantial portion of this, accounting for nearly half of the total electricity generation, while coal contributes almost 27%. On the other hand, the share of low-carbon or clean electricity is considerably smaller, with net imports (which may consist of low-carbon or fossil sources, but are grouped separately here) making up about 24%. Therefore, the reliance on fossil fuels remains significant, reflecting a need for increased investment in sustainable energy sources to mitigate the negative effects of climate change and air pollution.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Hong Kong SAR China?

When examining the growth of electricity consumption in Hong Kong SAR China, there appears to be a slight downward trend. The 2023 total electricity consumption is reported at 6615 kWh per person, which is a decrease from the previous record reached in 2012 at 6772 kWh per person. This represents a reduction of 157 kWh per person. Conversely, low-carbon electricity generation is seeing positive changes, albeit modest. Recently, in 2023, low-carbon generation per person rose to 48 kWh, an improvement from the previous peak of 44 kWh per person recorded in 2022. While this growth is a step in the right direction, it is clear that more robust advancements are needed to significantly enhance Hong Kong's sustainable electricity consumption profile.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Hong Kong SAR China could learn from successful regions that have effectively leveraged both solar and nuclear energy. Countries like France and Slovakia illustrate the potential of nuclear power, each harnessing almost 70% of their electricity from nuclear sources. For solar energy, North Macedonia serves as a noteworthy example, generating nearly half of its electricity from solar power. By aiming to replicate these successes, Hong Kong can significantly expand its sustainable energy portfolio. Integrating advances in both nuclear and solar technologies will not only increase the clean energy share but also help meet the growing electricity needs of the region, ultimately reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

History

The historical progression of low-carbon electricity in Hong Kong SAR China shows a rather flat trend with respect to various clean energy sources over the recent past. Throughout the years, biofuels and solar energy have made negligible inroads, with no significant increase until recent years where small growth was observed in solar generation during 2021 and 2022. Wind energy has remained unchanged over this period as well. This long-standing stagnation calls for decisive policy interventions and investments to spur substantial growth in low-carbon electricity generation. There is an encouraging potential to accelerate clean energy adoption and lead Hong Kong into a more sustainable future by targeting strategic expansion and innovation, particularly in nuclear and solar power.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade