The world's largest floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), the "Bauhinia Spirit", was put into operation in Hong Kong, marking the official commencement of operations of Hong Kong's offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. This facility is Hong Kong's first offshore LNG terminal and stands as the largest of its kind in the world.
At the core part of the terminal, the "Bauhinia Spirit" boasts a natural gas storage capacity of 263,000 cubic meters. At full capacity, its power generation can meet the electricity needs of 1.5 million Hong Kong households continuously for two months, equivalent to a reduction of over 5.73 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The commencement of this project is of significant importance to further fulfill Hong Kong's electricity demand to facilitate social and economic development, help Hong Kong achieve its carbon neutrality goals, and ensure energy security in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
This project was jointly invested in and constructed by Hongkong Castle Peak Power Company Limited and The Hong Kong Electric Co., Ltd.. The Hongkong Castle Peak Power Company is jointly held by CLP Power Hong Kong Limited and China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd.
A reliable and diverse fuel source is crucial for ensuring Hong Kong's reliable power supply. In early 2020, the construction of the Hong Kong offshore LNG terminal began, with a total investment of approximately HK$8 billion. Key facilities include a dual-berth offshore LNG terminal jetty, a floating storage and regasification unit vessel, two onshore natural gas stations located at power plants, and two submarine pipelines.
Once the LNG is transported to the terminal, it undergoes storage and regasification on the "Bauhinia Spirit" and is then transported to the Lung Kwu Tan Power Station and Lamma Power Station via two submarine pipelines, providing Hong Kong with stable and clean power generation fuel.
Currently, Hong Kong receives natural gas from the mainland through three submarine pipelines, and the share of natural gas in electricity generation has risen to about 50 percent. In the future, Hong Kong plans to increase the proportion of natural gas in power generation to continue its emission reduction efforts.
With the commencement of this project, Hong Kong will gain access to a new channel for natural gas supply, enabling it to source more competitively priced natural gas from the global LNG market. This will enhance Hong Kong's power supply security and reliability, providing robust energy assurance for the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong's economy.
(Executive editor: Xie Yunxiao)
