Hong Kong LegCo environment panel visits HK Electric smart operations centre
LegCo's environment panel visited HK Electric's smart operations and emergency response centre, learning about AI and tech to improve grid resilience. Members were briefed on decarbonisation efforts, including a new gas unit by 2029 to raise gas-fired generation to about 80 per cent.
The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Environmental Affairs on 10 November visited Hongkong Electric Company (HK Electric) smart operations and emergency response centre in North Point to learn about the latest technology and measures to enhance power supply resilience.
Legislators first heard a briefing from HK Electric representatives on the operations of the centre, which started operating in June this year. The centre centralises monitoring platforms from different departments and uses an artificial intelligence (AI) remote monitoring system, described as 'HK Electric Smart Grid Connect', to track in real time the operation of about 50 substations. Members were told that the system allows engineering teams to predict flooding risks and respond quickly to emergencies. The legislators discussed with HK Electric representatives ways to further improve overall supply reliability, more accurately locate faulty cables, and speed up power restoration.
The panel then received a briefing on HK Electric's decarbonisation work. They were told that a new gas-fired generating unit, L13, would begin operation in 2029, raising the share of natural gas in generation from about 70 per cent to about 80 per cent, further cutting carbon emissions. Legislators also learned about environmental measures HK Electric has implemented, such as planting native tree species at Lamma Power Station to attract birds, and using new technology to reduce impacts on nearby water bodies and marine life, protecting biodiversity.
Before the visit ended, legislators saw services offered at the HK Electric customer centre, including electrical account inspection and technical consultation. A total of 14 committee and non-committee members attended the visit.
