Longzhu (Rachel) Cui

Carbon  Capture  and  Storage  (CCS)  has  been  identified  by  International Energy Agency (IEA) (2013: 7-9) as a globally important means to meet carbon reduction target while securing the energy supply. Local trial practices in the form of pilot projects in different countries have been launched worldwide and Hong Kong, as one of the most influential metropolises,  should consider demonstrating the willingness and determination in carbon mitigation.

12 face-to-face interviews have been conducted to major stakeholders with significant current or potential influence in energy industry including Managing Directors of CLP, HK Electric and Towngas to picture their perceptions on CCS pilot project as well as future fuel mix policy in Hong Kong.

Uniquely, Hong Kong has a complicated historical background with 100 years British governance until 1997. Political issues have been always very subtle in this region and any infrastructure project will sparkle fierce discussion among citizens. In the recent  decade,  the  integration  with  Mainland  China  has  been  a  top  priority  in industries across the city including energy related ones. This dissertation deals with an assessment on the feasibility of CCS pilot project in Hong Kong, physically or financially join the existed one in Guangdong Province, Mainland China.
Unfortunately, Hong Kong is not suitable for launching CCS project within the boundary of the city due to geological restrictions. But joining hands with Guangdong Province is technically feasible provided that political and financial supports are available.

Further, this research intends to investigate the future trend of fuel mix policy in Hong Kong. The emission target by 2020 in Hong Kong is to reduce carbon intensity by 50%-60% compared with 2005 according to Hong Kong’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Agenda published by Environment Protection Department (EPD) of Hong Kong Government. It is suggested that Hong Kong could consider setting independent target in future energy policy making while taking more opportunities and challenges by cooperation with Guangdong Province.

The potential exists in this industry for great business expansion as well as better achieving environmental protection target by the synergy of both sides’ resources and management collaboration. The intent of this work is to provide possible in various channels to facilitate change. From a future outlook, Hong Kong’s participation of CCS pilot project can be a major stepping-stone for better cooperation with Guangdong Province in energy industry as well as keeping aligned with Central Government’s national policy.