In 2023, electricity consumption in Hong Kong SAR China heavily relies on fossil fuel sources, with a predominant share coming from gas and coal. Specifically, gas accounts for almost half of the consumption, while coal contributes to about a quarter of the total electricity usage. Meanwhile, net imports make up nearly a quarter of the electricity consumption, indicating reliance on external sources to meet energy needs. The pressing issue remains the low share of low-carbon electricity, which represents close to none of the total consumption. This overwhelming reliance on fossil fuels is a concern, as it contributes to climate change and air pollution. Transitioning to more sustainable, clean energy sources is imperative for a greener and healthier future.

Is Electricity Growing in Hong Kong SAR China?

Evaluating the growth of electricity in Hong Kong SAR China, there appears to be a slight decline in overall electricity consumption per person, dropping from a record high of 6772 kWh/person in 2012 to 6615 kWh/person in 2023, indicating a reduction of 157 kWh/person. Although there is a small increase in low-carbon electricity generation, from 44 kWh/person in 2022 to 48 kWh/person in 2023, this growth remains insufficient to offset the dominance of fossil fuel-based consumption. The stagnation in electricity consumption, especially clean electricity, is worrying as it falls short of addressing future demands brought on by electrification and technological advancements like AI.

Suggestions

For Hong Kong SAR China to boost low-carbon electricity generation, strategic expansion of solar and nuclear energy should be prioritized, drawing inspiration from successful regions globally. France and Slovakia demonstrate impressive contributions from nuclear energy, powering more than 60% of their electricity through this low-carbon source. The commitment to nuclear energy is echoed in other regions such as New Hampshire and South Carolina in the United States. Additionally, solar energy showcases potential, as seen in states like Nevada where solar accounts for about a third of electricity generation. By integrating lessons from these similar regions, Hong Kong can advance its clean energy transition significantly, effectively reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental impacts.

History

Examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Hong Kong reveals rather negligible developments over recent decades, particularly in wind and biofuels. From 2006 through 2023, there were close to no contributions from wind aside from a mere 0.1 TWh increase in 2019. Similarly, biofuels showed little progression, with only a 0.1 TWh increase noted in 2019 and static figures in other years. Solar energy witnessed minimal increments, with slight increases of 0.1 TWh in 2021 and 2022, but stagnated in 2023. This limited advancement underlines the need for an ambitious and robust policy framework that aggressively pursues solar and nuclear energy expansion, supporting the broader goal of establishing a sustainable and reliable electricity generation portfolio.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade