Electricity in Hong Kong SAR China in 2023
In 2023, electricity consumption in Hong Kong SAR China was still predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with these sources accounting for about three-quarters of the total electricity generation. Specifically, natural gas represented close to half of the electricity generation, while coal made up nearly a third. On the brighter side, Hong Kong relies significantly on net imports, contributing slightly less than a quarter of the total electricity supply. Given the global urgency to mitigate climate change, there is a pressing need to transition towards more sustainable electricity sources. Presently, the share of low-carbon energy in Hong Kong's local electricity generation is close to none, underscoring the necessity for significant strategic shifts.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Hong Kong SAR China?
Over the past decade, electricity consumption per capita in Hong Kong has experienced a slight decline. In 2023, the average electricity consumption was approximately 6615 kWh per person, which marks a reduction of 157 kWh compared to the peak consumption in 2012. This indicates a worrisome stagnation in electricity consumption, influenced perhaps by energy efficiency measures or economic factors. On a more positive note, low-carbon electricity generation per capita has shown modest growth, reaching 48 kWh per person in 2023, up by 4 kWh from the previous year's record. This increase, although small, is promising and indicates a potential beginning of more significant future advancements in clean energy.
Suggestions
For Hong Kong SAR China to substantially increase its low-carbon electricity generation, it can draw lessons from regions that successfully leverage nuclear and solar power. France and Slovakia, where nuclear power contributes significantly to electricity generation at 69% and 67% respectively, exemplify how nuclear can effectively form the backbone of a low-carbon electricity system. Additionally, Hong Kong can look towards South Korea, where nuclear energy contributes 32%, a figure that would be achievable for Hong Kong given its geographical and economic context. Meanwhile, the success of Lebanon and Nevada in solar energy—both generating up to 30% of their electricity from solar—is a testament to the potential for solar power expansion in suitable climates. By adopting a strategy that emphasizes nuclear and solar energy, Hong Kong can not only meet its electricity needs but also advance its low-carbon agenda.
History
Historically, the growth of low-carbon electricity in Hong Kong has been limited, with minimal changes in various sectors over the years. From the early 2000s, attempts to introduce wind and biofuels showed close to no progress, as evidenced by static or non-existent electricity generation changes in these sectors. Notably, more recent years have seen small incremental steps, such as a 0.1 TWh increase in solar energy in both 2021 and 2022, and a 0.1 TWh rise in biofuels in 2019. Despite these modest gains, the overall picture underscores a lack of significant development in low-carbon electricity generation. This necessitates a more proactive approach in expanding nuclear and solar infrastructure to ensure future growth in sustainable electricity for the region.
