Electricity in Hong Kong SAR China in 2023
As of 2023, the electricity consumption in Hong Kong SAR China heavily relies on fossil fuel sources. Over three-quarters of its electricity, specifically around 76%, is generated from fossil fuels. Gas accounts for almost half of the electricity supply, while coal contributes nearly 27%. The remaining portion of the electricity is derived from net imports, which make up just over 23%. The reliance on these energy sources poses concerns over environmental impacts such as air pollution and climate change, highlighting the need to transition towards cleaner energy options. Low-carbon energy contributes close to none domestically, indicating substantial room for growth in sustainable electricity generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Hong Kong SAR China?
Despite the urgency for more sustainable solutions, electricity consumption in Hong Kong SAR China has declined slightly. In 2023, electricity usage per person is 6,615 kWh, down from the peak of 6,772 kWh per person recorded in 2012. This decline of 157 kWh per person raises concerns about whether growth in electricity demand is being met effectively, especially as electrification trends rise globally. On a more positive note, the generation of low-carbon electricity went up slightly, with individuals using 48 kWh per person in 2023, an increase from the 44 kWh registered the previous year, indicating slow yet steady progress in adopting cleaner electricity sources.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Hong Kong SAR China can learn from regions that have effectively harnessed nuclear and solar power. France sets a remarkable example by generating 68% of its electricity through nuclear power. Similarly, the state of Iowa in the United States generates an impressive 63% of its electricity from wind, underscoring the potential of diverse clean energy sources in spearheading sustainable growth. Hong Kong can look towards these regions as benchmarks for integrating solar and nuclear power to meet its sustainable energy goals. By investing strategically in nuclear and solar infrastructure, Hong Kong can shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity supply, ultimately ensuring energy security and advancing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Hong Kong SAR China shows a steady yet slow-paced adoption of clean energy solutions, with notable stagnation in some areas. From the mid-2000s to the late 2010s, there was little increase in wind or biofuels energy generation, reflecting challenges in diversifying the energy portfolio. However, since 2019, there have been incremental increases in biofuels and small developments in solar energy, with slight growth recorded in recent years. Yet, the cumulative numbers remain disappointingly low, a situation that could be significantly alleviated by accelerating nuclear and solar development, drawing inspiration from other regions that have successfully embraced these clean energy sources. By focusing on nuclear and solar energy, Hong Kong SAR China could develop a resilient, low-carbon electricity system to meet future demands sustainably.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.