Cost-Effective Decarbonization for the Power Sector of Hong Kong: Technology Innovation, Demonstrations, and Pathways

Achieving carbon neutrality requires comprehensive data, innovative technologies, effective economic and social policies, and active actions of stakeholders. Power generation accounts for more than 66% of the total emissions in Hong Kong (HK), demanding the biggest reduction to meet 2050 carbon neutrality goals. However, Hong Kong has yet to roll out such a concrete implementation plan due to the lack of accurate near real-time emission data, assessment of future innovative technology options and a system approach to cost-benefit analysis. Hong Kong’s carbon neutrality pathways should be assessed against the following crucial criteria: (1) The technical feasibility; (2) The power sector and energy infrastructure’s reliability and resilience; (3) Political and economic acceptability. To be cost-effective, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the current status and explore key future solutions for emission reduction.