Climate change: Hong Kong energy giant CLP takes the nuclear option to hit decarbonisation targets

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CLP Holdings plans to increase the contribution of clean energy in the mix of its power output by accelerating the sourcing from mainland nuclear plants

The energy giant, which plans a phase out of coal-based assets by 2040, seeks to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its operations by 2050

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CLP headquarters in Hong Kong’s Hung Hom. Photo: Edmond So

Eric Ng

Published: 10:00am, 10 Mar 2024Updated: 1:45pm, 11 Mar 2024

CLP Holdings, the larger of Hong Kong’s two power utilities, plans to increase its imports of nuclear power from mainland China as the electricity supplier seeks to achieve its greenhouse gas emissions goal for 2030 by increasing the share of clean energy in its product mix, according to its sustainability chief.

CLP, which aims to meet science-based targets for 2030 to align with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to below 2 degrees C above pre-industrial levels, is eyeing China’s Guangdong province for sourcing energy from alternative, non-fossil sources.

“We are working on bringing more nuclear power into Hong Kong … we are having ongoing conversations,” chief strategy, sustainability and governance officer David Simmonds told the Post. “It will clearly be from within Guangdong, although it has yet to be decided.”

He added there are plans to tap other green energy sources in China once additional infrastructure connecting Hong Kong and the mainland is in place.

Offshore wind power will not be featured in the company’s decarbonisation plan until at least 2030, he said, but CLP will continue to monitor technological developments and review its feasibility with the government.

CLP has been conducting a feasibility study on a potential 255 megawatt wind farm in the southeastern waters of Hong Kong. However, the government late last year indicated that importing clean energy from the mainland would be prioritised over building projects in the city on cost concerns.