Gov’t reduces emissions cap for power plants

The new restrictions will take effect in 2030.

The government has reduced the emission allowances of air pollutants for power plants beginning in 2030 to help improve air quality in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region.

Under Air Pollution Control Ordinance, the Tenth Technical Memorandum for Allocation of Emission Allowances in Respect of Specified Licences (the Tenth TM) reduces the annual emission allowances of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and respirable suspended particulates (RSPs) from the electricity sector at 2,302 tonnes, 8,350 tonnes and 317 tonnes, respectively.

The Environment & Ecology Bureau said it represents further tightening by 19%, 25% and 14%, respectively, compared with the emission allowances for the electricity sector for 2026 set under the Ninth TM.

Authorities said various factors were considered in developing the new policy. These include local electricity demand, the gas-fired electricity generation of the two power companies, the emission performance of existing generating units, the estimated import of nuclear power and clean energy, and the projected electricity intake from renewable energy sources.

The Tenth TM will be tabled at the Legislative Council on June 4 for commencement by the end of 2025. The new set of emission allowances will come into effect on 1 January 2030.

The technical memorandum will again be reviewed not later than 2027 to ensure timely revision of the emission allowances.