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Powering Hong Kong: Are we at a Crossroads
by Richard Lancaster |
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Location: Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Pier 8, Central
Date: Thursday, 24 April 2014
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Complimentary Drinks Reception 6.30 pm; Lecture 7.30 pm |
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The Royal Geographical Society is pleased to welcome Richard Lancaster to lecture on "Powering Hong Kong: Are we at a Crossroads”. In this lecture, Mr Lancaster discusses the evolving energy world, questioning whether renewables can carry the load of future growth of power needs. The world’s energy demand is forecast to grow by one-third between 2011 and 2035. While fossil fuels are expected to continue to dominate power generation, renewable energy is expected to become the second-largest source of generation in the next few years and to approach coal as the leading source by 2035. But given the limitations faced by renewables such as high cost and land availability, Mr Lancaster discusses whether Hong Kong can count on them plus what alternatives there are, such as more nuclear power.
In an age where the effects of climate change are being increasingly felt and the emergence of China and other global powerhouses is rapidly changing the shape of the global economy, how growing energy demand can be met while balancing these competing and powerful forces represents a major political, economic and social challenge. Given that the global energy landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, Mr Lancaster discusses what the realities of a low emissions future are and how to strike the right balance between having adequate and reliable energy supplies at an affordable price, while in a manner that is sustainable over the long term.
It’s a challenge that Hong Kong is facing already, as the community debates the future fuel mix for power generation and considers what the best long term options are. Mr Lancaster argues that the complexities of the issue need careful examination and pragmatic discussion, albeit in an atmosphere where popular opinion often demands more for less but does not easily digest complexity or nuance. Amongst these complexities and practical issues, geography plays an important role. Whether renewable energy is able to replace fully conventional forms of power generation remains an open question. Aside from the obvious problems that wind speed and solar intensity are variable and intermittent, both solar and wind energy require large areas of land which is a scarce resource.
In Hong Kong, with a densely populated urban environment and a mountainous terrain, there are some opportunities for renewable generation that should be examined. However, the need for large areas of land to collect meaningful amounts of energy from the wind or the sun means that it is not possible to generate a significant part of electricity supply from renewable sources located within Hong Kong. But Mr Lancaster discusses whether Hong Kong is unique in this respect and how are cities such as New York, London or Singapore overcoming this problem.
Members and their guests are most welcome to attend this event, which is HK$150 for Members and HK$200 for guests and others including the complimentary drinks reception. |
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