SolarCare - SolarVisit
Past Event
2020-08-13
SolarVisit: Shek Pik Reservoir
A virtual Solar Visit was held on 13 August under The Jockey Club SolarCare Programme. By the virtual tour at Shek Pik Reservoir, participants got the chance to view and understand the solar energy system with floating panels through their own devices.
With the launch of online conferencing application, CarbonCare InnoLab co-founder and CEO, Mr. Chong Chan Yau, delivered the knowledge of climate change to more than 30 secondary school students. He has also guided students to reflect on how they could carry out low-carbon lives at the perspectives of clothing, food, housing and transport. Meanwhile, with the presentation by Mr. Clement Leung, the previous head of the Mechanical and Electrical (Projects) Division in Water Supplies Department, the group had the opportunity to visit the restricted areas of Shek Pik Reservoir and to closely observe the space-saving solar energy system with floating panels.
The presentation was absolutely holistic, covering the advantages, limitation and global development trend of solar system, as well as the positive impacts to the ecosystem. Apart from these general information, Clement also illustrated the designs and technical features of Shek Pik and Plover Cove Reservoirs. With an ending of his sharing on the possibility of full application at all Hong Kong Reservoirs, participants did possess a knowledgeable and fruitful tour. To conclude, it is essential in mitigating climate change by replacing coal-fired power with solar energy system. Meanwhile, floating solar panels can slow down the evaporation of water reserve and control the growth of algae. Hence protecting the water resources in a more comprehensive way and further contributing on carbon reduction.
During the Q&A session, the students were enthusiastically engaged. They raised questions related to the impacts on ecosystem, operations and maintenance of the floating panels, etc. Some students raised creative questions, such as the impact of drought or reservoir’s decreased water level on the operation of floating panels. Clement provided detailed explanation about the occurrence of droughts in Hong Kong over years, as well as the impact of dropped water level on the floating panel system. Thus, the students could understand the stability and potential of the floating panels. Upon the thorough and professional discussion among all, they understood that renewable energy can certainly yield a more sustainable future. Let’s work hand in hand to mitigate climate change for the planet in the long run!
CarbonCare InnoLab continuously holds different SolarVisits, targeting to build the path for the community to enter the world of sustainable energy. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for future event releases!