Facts about the Proposed Additional Gas-Fired Generation Capacity
CLP Power works tirelessly to deliver a safe, reliable and environmentally friendly electricity
supply to Hong Kong at a reasonable cost. Our supply reliability is among the world’s best at
99.999%, and we endeavour to minimise the impact of power generation on the environment.
CLP Power became the first power
company in Hong Kong to introduce
natural gas for power generation when
the Black Point Power Station began
operations in 1996. Since then, we have
continued to improve our emissions
performance by adopting more
environmentally friendly fuel, installing
emissions reduction facilities and
enhancing plant efficiency. Remarkably,
CLP Power’s emissions have fallen by
more than 85% since 1990 while  Black Point Power Station
electricity demand has grown by over
80% during the same period.
In the Public Consultation on the Future Development of the Electricity Market, the
government announced it wanted to increase the percentage of local gas generation of the
total fuel mix by 2020. The government anticipates a small number of additional gas-fired
generation units will be needed to cope with the increasing use of natural gas. In response to
that, CLP Power has conducted a study into the feasibility of building additional gas-fired
generation unit using Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) within the Black Point Power
Station to meet the government’s environmental targets as well as future electricity demand
generated by social development.
The Benefits of Gas-Fired Generation
Natural gas is a relatively clean fossil fuel. It emits far less sulphur dioxide (SO2) and
respirable suspended particulates (RSP) during power generation than other fossil fuels. Also,
the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the proposed new unit would be further reduced
compared to the gas-fired units currently being used at the Black Point Power Station.
Moreover, the use of coal-fired generation
would be reduced when the new unit
comes into operation. This would
contribute further towards meeting the
carbon intensity reduction targets as well
as the government’s air quality objectives.
The Technology of Combined Cycle
Gas Turbine (CCGT)
CCGT technology is now being adopted
in the eight gas-fired generation units
currently being used at the Black Point
Power Station. The new unit will be  The gas-fired generation units at the Black Point
state-of-the-art and capable of achieving Power Station adopted the CCGT technology.
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an efficiency of around 60%, higher than the existing gas units, and will further reduce
emissions.
CCGT consists of a gas turbine and a steam turbine. First, natural gas is burned in the gas
turbine to generate electricity. During the process, the heat exhausted from the gas turbine is
captured and transported to heat up water in a boiler. As a result, steam is produced to drive
the steam turbine for power generation. The combined cycle design allows for greater output
without the use of additional fuel.
Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Process (arrangement for illustration only)
1. The combusted natural gas turns the gas turbine, which then drives the generator.
2. The spent gas, which is still very hot, is captured in Heat Recovery Steam Generator
to heat up water to steam.
3. The steam turbine is driven to generate power.
4. The two turbines drive the generator together, resulting in greater efficiency.
Key statistics of the new gas-fired generation unit
Generation capacity (one
Up to 600 MW
unit)
Efficiency
Up to 60% in a state-of-the-art configuration
Emissions
 NOx: equivalent to only 10% of CLP Power’s existing
gas-fired generation units
 SO2, RSP: Far less than other fossil fuels
Commencement of
Expected in Q3 of 2016
construction
Commercial operation
At the end of 2019
Job opportunities during
Around 1,000
construction
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Environmental Impact Assessment
Since last year, CLP Power has engaged expert consultants to conduct an Environmental
Impact Assessment study covering more than 10 aspects, including its impact on air quality,
water quality and ecology. The study assessed the project against the guidelines set out in a
study brief issued by the Environmental Protection Department and included detailed field
surveys on ecology and computer modelling to evaluate the potential impact on the air quality
and water quality of the Deep Bay Water Control Zone and the North Western Water Control
Zone.
The study showed that the additional unit allows a reduction of up to 19% in nitrogen oxides
(NOx) emissions and a reduction of up to about 10% in emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2)
and respirable suspended particulates (RSP), compared to the emission target of 2020. These
reductions would be possible because the new unit would be operated as a priority plant once
it is commissioned and will displace the sent-out from the existing coal-fired and gas-fired
generation plants. In addition, no unacceptable and long-term environmental impact is
anticipated during construction and operation. To minimise the impact, regular site
inspections and audits would be conducted, including monitoring of air pollutants and marine
water quality.
Public Affairs
CLP Power Hong Kong Limited
April 2016
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