HK Electric’s Preparedness for Extreme Weather Challenges
Hongkong Electric, one of Hong Kong’s major electricity providers, is taking proactive measures to strengthen its resilience against extreme weather conditions. With the looming threat of rising water levels due to climate change, the company is focusing on safeguarding its critical infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted power supply to over half a million customers.
Enhanced Infrastructure at Lamma Island Power Plant
The main power plant located on Lamma Island is undergoing significant upgrades to withstand record storms. The introduction of a series of measures aims to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events, ensuring the plant’s resilience until at least 2100. One key aspect of this strategy is the construction of two generator units at an elevated height of seven meters above principal datum, surpassing the water levels observed during Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018.
Principal datum, a unit used by the government to measure heights and levels on land, plays a crucial role in determining the elevation of critical infrastructure. With the city’s mean sea level standing at approximately 1.3 meters above PD, the decision to position the generator units at a higher level demonstrates Hongkong Electric’s commitment to fortifying its facilities against potential flooding risks.
Resilient Substations and Emergency Response
In addition to fortifying the power plant, Hongkong Electric is focusing on enhancing the resilience of its substations, particularly those located in vulnerable areas such as the northern Hong Kong Island coastline. By implementing physical barriers like flood walls and installing flood warning systems and sump pumps, the company is preparing its infrastructure to withstand extreme weather conditions effectively.
The completion of these resilience measures is projected to be finalized by 2026, signaling the company’s dedication to ensuring the reliability of its power network in the face of climate-related challenges. General manager Chow Fo-shing emphasized the importance of staff preparedness in handling emergencies, especially during typhoons when operational disruptions may occur. To address this, additional manpower will be stationed on-site during approaching storms to ensure the continuity of operations.
Fellow general manager Tony Yeung highlighted the advantage of the company’s predominantly underground power network, which offers protection against adverse weather conditions. This strategic infrastructure design minimizes the impact of extreme weather events on the power supply, enhancing the overall resilience of Hongkong Electric’s operations.
Investing in Future-Proof Solutions
As climate change continues to pose significant challenges, Hongkong Electric’s forward-thinking approach to resilience planning is commendable. By investing in future-proof solutions and incorporating climate resilience into its infrastructure development, the company is setting a precedent for sustainable and reliable electricity provision in the face of evolving environmental risks.
In conclusion, Hongkong Electric’s resilience strategy for extreme weather underscores its commitment to ensuring the stability of the city’s power supply amidst increasingly unpredictable climate conditions. By prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, staff training, and emergency response protocols, the company is taking proactive steps to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and safeguard its operations for the future.