Currently, about 60% of Hong Kong’s carbon emissions come from electricity generation. HK Electric General Manager (Corporate Development) Mr. Bill Ho stated that HK Electric has implemented progressive decarbonisation measures. “We have built new gas-fired generating units and an offshore LNG terminal to advance our ‘coal-to-gas’ transition. As at 2024, around 70% of our power comes from natural gas, a cleaner alternative to coal, and we plan to further increase this proportion. We have also set an interim science-based target to cut Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions by 68.4% per kWh of electricity generated by 2035, compared to 2019 levels, and we are already more than one-third there,” he remarked.
Mr. Ho added that the company is taking a multi-pronged approach to achieve net-zero generation before 2050. This includes phasing out coal for daily electricity generation by 2035, preparing to import zero-carbon electricity through regional cooperation with support from State Grid Corporation of China, and exploring reliable and cost-effective new zero-carbon energy solutions, such as battery storage and retrofitting existing gas-fired units to use green hydrogen.
HK Electric has maintained a world-class electricity supply reliability rate of over 99.999% since 1997. The company prioritises risk management, and strengthens its infrastructure to combat extreme weather such as super typhoons. It has raised the foundations of critical facilities and upgraded flood protection to ensure resilience against climatic challenges throughout the 21st century.
To further enhance supply reliability and operational efficiency, HK Electric has introduced 5G robots to monitor cable tunnels. It has also applied “Cable Health Index” and a self-developed evaluation metrics - the “Three-Hypers”, and has partnered with a local university to use AI for monitoring underground cables. These allow early identification of cable abnormalities, contributing to the reduction in power interruptions from 235 cases in 2019 to about 140 in recent years.
At Lamma Power Station, engineers have developed a “Fish Deterrent System” to deter fish from entering its cooling system, reducing fish intrusion by 99.5%. The company has also introduced “Green Mobile Emergency Power System”, a battery-powered solution that provides backup electricity during emergencies and large-scale events. This system cuts roadside air pollution, noise, and carbon emissions by 30-40% compared to traditional diesel generators.
HK Electric keeps electricity tariffs affordable, with rates lower than many international cities. In 2025, the company allocates more than HK$70 million for “Smart Power Services” to support underprivileged families, and help NGOs and schools reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.
To promote smart city development, HK Electric will complete installing smart meters by mid-2025 for all customers, totalling around 600,000, enabling efficient energy management through a mobile application.
HK Electric has established committees to integrate sustainability into its business. The company adheres to environmental regulations and manages ESG-related risks and opportunities. It has identified six United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals that align closely with its corporate strategy and business priorities.
In 2024, the company released its first standalone “Climate-related Disclosures Report” and highlighted its governance, risk management, and sustainability performance in its Annual and Sustainability Reports. Going forward, HK Electric will disclose sustainability information with reference to international standards such as ISSB Standards to meet the Hong Kong Stock Exchange requirements.
