A GIS assessment on the feasibility of onshore solar and wind energy development in Hong Kong

Abstract

While the government of Hong Kong has acknowledged the need to increase renewable energy
contributions in its fuel mix, the implementation of renewable energy projects in the region is
constrained by complex topography and limited land availability. To overcome these
challenges, a pragmatic solution is devised through the use of a site suitability analysis which
expedites the identification of optimal locations for renewable energy development in the
region. Despite the widespread utilization of this methodology in numerous other wind/solar
studies, its application is notably absent in Hong Kong.

This paper presents the development, implementation, and results of a site suitability analysis
for identifying feasible rural solar and onshore wind energy sites in Hong Kong. To enable
efficient analysis, a site suitability tool was created for Hong Kong that, given various
development constraints, generates a suitability map for potential onshore rural wind/solar farm
sites. Additionally, by utilizing both spatial and attribute data, a suitability score is allotted to
each identified location, facilitating efficient comparison and ranking. These were used in this
study to explore the degree to which the various criteria restrict the suitability of sites and
consequently impede the progress of solar and wind energy development in Hong Kong. In
order to maintain consistency with existing Hong Kong standards, the model parameters
applied for each constraint were derived from benchmark values sourced from the Lamma
Island Wind Turbine and Living Spring Renewable (Solar) Energy Station.

The analysis reveals that, while it is feasible to enhance electrical generation through onshore
wind turbines, the potential overall capacity is unsubstantial when measured against Hong
Kong's electrical demands and wind energy targets. Conversely, ample sites exist for the
establishment of solar farms to generate sufficient electricity to meet Hong Kong’s solar
renewable energy goals. However, their large footprint, and consideration of Hong Kong's
spatial and social constraints suggests that alternative, less spatially intrusive approaches might
be preferable. Consequently, this study identifies that the potential of rural solar farms and
onshore wind turbines lies in their capacity to complement existing and future alternative
energy sources and so foster a diversified and comprehensive energy portfolio for Hong Kong.

Popular Abstract

The Hong Kong government recognizes the need to increase its use of renewable energy sources, as
stated in its climate action and development plans. However, the challenging terrain and limited
available land make it difficult to implement renewable energy projects. Geographic Information
Technologies (GIS) can help analyse the region effectively, and using GIS can be a solution to address
these challenges. By conducting a site suitability analysis using GIS technology, suitable locations for
renewable energy projects can be identified. Despite the common use of such a method in global wind
and solar studies, it was found not be widely applied in Hong Kong. This paper aims to rectify this by
creating presenting a site suitability analysis for the potential of rural solar and onshore wind energy
sites in Hong Kong.

The study's core element is a suitability model, which enables quick and effective analysis of possible
locations for rural solar and wind development across Hong Kong. This tool allows users to consider
different factors affecting site suitability and calculate a 'suitability score' to rank the sites. In this study the model was used with parameters based on standard values from established wind and solar energy
installations. Using the result from the model, the study also examined how various criteria limit site
suitability and impact solar and wind energy progress in Hong Kong.

The findings of this study indicate that there's potential to expand onshore wind turbines and rural solar
farms in Hong Kong. Notably, it is estimated that around 117 additional wind turbines could be
accommodated, but when you consider factors such as cost and logistical challenges, prioritizing
offshore wind energy seems more effective. On the other hand, suitable sites for rural solar farms were
found to be abundant and the potential energy generation can exceed Hong Kong’s solar energy goals.
However, solar farms require a lot of space to be impactful and Hong Kongs strong land management
policies suggest that more spatially efficient solar energy strategies (such as solar panels on building
roofs) might be preferable.

In conclusion, this study found that the potential of rural solar farms and onshore wind turbines lies in
their ability to enhance Hong Kong's energy mix by working alongside current and upcoming alternative
energy sources. This approach can lead to a more varied and complete energy portfolio for the region.

• author: Leigh, William
• supervisor: Micael Runnström
• organization: Dept of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science
• course: NGEM01 20231
• year: 2024
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Earth and Environmental Sciences
• keywords: Physical Geography, Green Energy Integration, GIS, Hong Kong, Renewable Energy, Site Suitability Analysis, Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Geomatics
• publication/series: Student thesis series INES
• report number: 638
• language: English
• id: 9151986
• date added to LUP: 2024-05-20 10:20:59
• date last changed: 2024-05-20 10:20:59