Hong Kong Solar Energy initiative - CarbonCare InnoLab
Hong Kong solar energy programme is an active response to the FiT by advocating various low-cost and environmentally-friendly solar energy systems .
Solar energy Hong Kong initiatives to go a long way in cleaner power generation
Hong Kong as a country has to deal with long blistering summers. Yet, only 0.2 percent of the country’s electricity supply comes from solar energy. This is as compared to developed nations such as the UK, (which does not have the luxury of consistent sunny days) where solar panels generate 50% more energy than coal.
Solar power possibilities
Given the numerous challenges of climate change across the world, Hong Kong needs to actively seek greener ways of power generation to address the specific issue of the depletion of fossil fuels. Generation of solar electricity is a viable option for Hong Kong because of the summer heat that lasts for a good three to four months in the year.
Further, solar generation is a better choice of renewable energy as compared to wind farms that are potentially detrimental to wildlife. Simple and innovative solutionsfor the generation of solar energy Hong Kong are being floated by various organisations and NGOs such as Carbon Care Innolab (CCIL) that is working proactively to address issues related to climate change through numerous initiatives and programmes.
Solar power initiatives
One such programme is the Jockey Club SolarCare Programme funded by Jockey Club Charities Trust. This programme is an active response to the Hong Kong Government’s Feed-In-Tariff (FiT) policy. The mission of this programme is to encourage and accelerate application of solar energy Hong Kong within local communities. It also connects all potential stakeholders driving change such as NGOs, green groups, renewable energy experts, power companies and Government departments, to be able to work together in order to catalyse change.
Some examples of solar energy Hong Kong initiatives carried out by the Jockey Club SolarCare Programme include the Solar InnoWorkshop that are DIY workshops that educates common citizens about the use and benefits of sustainable energy. Fun activities such as building solar powered USB chargers and backpacks for daily use are carried out that stimulates creativity in individuals and inspires them to integrate renewable energy into their lives.
Similarly, there are solar visits or guided tours organised for willing participants to travel to solar farms in Hong Kongto learn more about how solar energy can be harnessed for daily use. Participants can then use this knowledge to make the use of solar energy effectively. Simple but effective solutions may be the integrating of photovoltaic (PV) cells in window panels of residential buildings for generation of solar energy Hong Kong.
Another popular initiative that is fast gaining traction is the RE webinars that is a network of cross-webinars with renewable energy associations overseas. These digital seminars act as a platform where general public can interact with renewable energy experts and gain knowledge on several solar-related topics that have a high degree of relevance across industries and sectors.
It is evident from all the above stated initiatives that solar energy will play a crucial role in implementing climate change in Hong Kong. Efforts made by organisations such as CCIL in conjunction with industries, Government departments and the general public at large will play an active role in permeating a cleaner, greener Hong Kong in the 21st century.