CLP diversifying power mix

Also plans to use generate more renewable energy.

CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd, the city's major power provider, said it was developing the necessary infrastructure to bring more natural gas to the company's energy mix.

“This is in line with the government policy of improving air quality," said CLP Power Hong Kong Managing Director Richard Lancaster.

The company recently completed the construction of a 20 kilometer undersea pipeline connecting the gas launching station in Dachan Island in Shenzhen and the gas receiving station at Black Point Power Station in Hong Kong.

The pipeline will give Hong Kong access to a vast quantity of natural gas that is also expected to help improve air quality and environment for Hong Kong.

Lancaster said this was critically important for CLP to meet its emissions target in 2015 by adopting more natural gas and reducing coal in our energy mix.

"Natural gas flow from the pipeline is expected to commence in early this year."

CLP aims to increase its use of natural gas so that 40% of its energy mix will be natural gas by 2020. The changeover to natural gas will also allow CLP to do its part to improve the city’s terrible air quality.

About half of the city's power is generated by coal-fired plants, with the other half being produced from gas or nuclear power.

Lancaster said the government has a clear roadmap on how to deal with environmental issues, particularly those related to air quality and climate change.