Clear The Air Energy Blog Rotating Header Image

Greenpeace

Regulate CO2 from Power Plants Now

Apr 27th, 2008
by AdminCTA.
No comments yet

Hong Kong green groups’ joint campaign

Filed under: Hong Kong Climate change — Jacqui Dixon @ 20:28 pm – CSR Asia

Six green groups in Hong Kong have been running a campaign over the last few weeks to encourage the Hong Kong government to incorporate carbon dioxide into the Air Pollution Control Ordinance, which limits air pollutants from the two local power companies CLP and HEC. The groups argue that “the government only regulates power plants’ so called ‘conventional’ air pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and continues to turn a blind eye to capping their CO2″.

Regulate CO2 from Power Plants Now!

Six Green Groups Urge You to Sign a Petition to the Government

Dear friends,

Climate change is accelerating! Hong Kong Observatory said our winter will disappear after 20 years. The government is amending the Air Pollution Control Ordinance to limit air pollutants from the two local power companies, CLP and HEC after 2010. Yet emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the major greenhouse gas (GHG) causing climate change, is not regulated at all. Six green groups now urge for your support to combat global warming by escalating the urgency for the government to restrict CO2 emissions from the power plants.

The two power companies are the biggest local sources of GHG emissions, accounting for 70% of the total CO2 released. They definitely contribute to climate change. However, the government only regulates power plants’ so called ‘conventional’ air pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and continues to turn a blind eye to capping their CO2.

Send the following letter to the Chief Executive and the Secretary of Environment Bureau today. Request for CO2 emission caps for power plants in the Air Pollution Control Ordinance. Let’s stop allowing the power companies to cook the climate!

Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong), Greenpeace, Greensense, Greeners Action, WWF Hong Kong, Clear The Air

http://write-a-letter.greenpeace.org/407

Members Of The Environmental Group Greenpeace Protest

Apr 7th, 2008
by AdminCTA.
No comments yet

Monday, 07 April 2008 – Macau Daily Times

Members of the environmental group Greenpeace protest over power plant C02 emissions by releasing balloons into the air in front of the skyline in Hong Kong yesterday. According to Greenpeace, the Hong Kong Observatory – the government weather agency – has warned that winter will disappear in two decades, yet the environmental group says the government is showing no signs of capping carbon dioxide emissions from power plants in its latest amendment to the Air Pollution Control Ordinance.

Carbon Caps Demanded

Apr 7th, 2008
by AdminCTA.
No comments yet

Peter So – Updated on Apr 07, 2008 – SCMP

Greenpeace wants the government to impose a legal cap on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants after a survey found more than 80 per cent of people agreed with the move.

Of the 514 people polled, 70 per cent were concerned with the effects of global warming on Hong Kong.

Activist Frances Yeung Hoi-shan said the government should regulate emissions from power plants.

The group urged electricity companies to cut their emissions by 15 per cent from 2006 levels by 2020.

Research by the Environmental Protection Department shows power plants account for more than 60 per cent of the city’s carbon dioxide emissions, which had increased 14 per cent in the past decade.

On Thursday, the Legislative Council will discuss an amendment to the Air Pollution Control Ordinance to regulate emissions from power plants, including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.

However, emissions of carbon dioxide will not be regulated, according to government proposals.

“The government refused to regulate power plants’ carbon dioxide emissions, saying that it would increase electricity costs and bring technical problems,” Ms Yeung said.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has called for the government and bus companies to speed up measures to reduce air pollution.

Party legislator Sin Chung-kai said there was no government policy to regulate the phasing out of old diesel buses and state subsidies were needed. Kowloon Motor Bus, the city’s largest bus company with 4,000 buses, plans to phase out its dirtiest vehicles in six years, including more than 500 buses predating Euro emission standards.

Where Does the Sun Shine From in Your Household?

Mar 23rd, 2008
by AdminCTA.
No comments yet

CLP Total Carbon Emissions

Mar 13th, 2008
by AdminCTA.
No comments yet

13th March 2008 – SCMP

I refer to the article (“Power firm plans major cut in carbon emissions”, March 10).

It was reported that CLP Holdings (SEHK: 0002) planned “to eliminate 75 per cent of carbon emissions by 2050 in its drive to reduce global warming”. However, it should be made clear that CLP is only committing itself to a carbon intensity target, which is a not real emissions cut. CLP announced a climate strategy last December, saying that it would reduce the groups’ average carbon intensity by 75 per cent by 2050. Carbon intensity means the average amount of CO{-2} emitted for output of each kilowatt-hour of electricity. In other words, even though CLP reduces carbon intensity, its total CO{-2} emissions can still go up if it generates more and more power. A carbon intensity target is different from a CO{-2} reduction target.

In fact, CLP’s intention to continue expanding its coal-related business means its total carbon emissions will increase. The second phase of CLP’s Vung Ang coal-fired plant (installed capacity, 1,200MW) in Vietnam has been confirmed. The second phase of Fangchenggang , with 3,600MW in Guangxi region on the mainland is under negotiation. Scientists tell us that in 50 years, we have to cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent from the 1990 level. We must not increase greenhouse gases.

TRUenergy, CLP’s subsidiary in Australia – announcing its climate strategy – not only promised to reduce carbon intensity in the short term but also to reduce its total CO{-2} emissions in the long run (a decrease of 35 per cent from 1990 levels). CLP should set up a CO{-2} emissions target for the group as a whole which is similar to the one set by its subsidiary, in order to show its real commitment to the climate.

The company’s plan to invest in large hydro and nuclear projects to meet its carbon intensity target should not be seen as a solution. Although these two fuels do not emit CO{-2}, their threats to the environment are long-term. Therefore, the company should shift its investment to renewable energy like solar and wind energy.

Frances Yeung, climate and energy campaigner, Greenpeace

CLP Carbon Output Hits 15-Year High

Mar 13th, 2008
by AdminCTA.
No comments yet

Cheung Chi-fai – Updated on Mar 13, 2008 – SCMPCLP Power’s carbon dioxide emissions rose 8.5 per cent last year, hitting a 15-year high as it generated power for the city using more coal and less natural gas.

The city’s biggest power supplier also emitted a quarter more nitrogen oxide – a smog-inducing air pollutant – after reductions were achieved in the previous two years.

The company blamed depleted gas reserves in Hainan for the greater reliance on coal.

CLP Power did not rule out using less gas this year unless its liquefied natural gas terminal project – which the government is still studying for feasibility – was approved soon.

Natural gases accounted for just 23 per cent of the company’s fuel mix last year, down from the 31 per cent in 2006. Coal use increased from 40 per cent to 48 per cent, while the share of nuclear power remained at 29 per cent.

Greenhouses gas emissions from the Castle Peak and Black Point power stations hit 19.5 million tonnes, the highest since 1993, and 8.5 per cent more than 2006. The increased reliance on coal saw nitrogen oxides in the air surging to 30,500 tonnes, although this was still within emission caps imposed by the Environmental Protection Department, CLP Power said. Sulfur dioxide emissions fell by 3 per cent to 35,100 tonnes last year, but the level of particulates rose by 5 per cent to 1,500 tonnes.

Lo Pak-cheong, station manager of the Castle Peak Power Station, said the LNG terminal project was needed if the company was to deliver on its pledge to increase gas use to 50 per cent of the fuel mix.

He said they could not import more energy from the nuclear plant in Daya Bay as the supply was capped.

A department spokesman said it had urged CLP Power to find alternative gas supplies.

Frances Yeung Hoi-shan, a Greenpeace energy campaigner, said the emission caps for power plants were either too lenient or tailor-made for the power operator.

CLP Coal in Hong Kong

Dec 8th, 2007
by AdminCTA.
No comments yet

Patsy Moy and Nishika Patel

Saturday, December 08, 2007: HK Standard

China Light and Power has pledged not to build any more coal plants in Hong Kong while setting a global target to cut its carbon intensity – the amount of carbon emitted per unit of energy used.

CLP, the producer of electricity in six Asian economies, will set a group- wide target of reduction at 75 percent by 2050 to benefit from global emissions trading.

The company has also fixed interim targets for emission cuts for 2010, 2020 and 2035.

As part of its strategy, CLP will boost investments in renewable energy, including an 82.4-megawatt wind farm in India.

The Environmental Protection Department welcomed CLP’s green policies.

But the green initiatives have failed to please local environmentalists who accused the Hong Kong company of “playing with figures and jargon.”

They said the benefits to be brought by the company’s green policies remain uncertain.

Friends of the Earth environmental affairs manager Hahn Chu hon-keung criticized the Hong Kong-based company for declining to specify the amount of carbon to be reduced in the city.

“It doesn’t mean the company should only protect Hong Kong’s environment at the expense of other places. But as a Hong Kong-based company, it should specify its pledge for Hong Kong people,” Chu said.

Frances Yeung Hoi-shan, Green Peace’s climate and energy campaigner, also accused CLP of not spelling out its target reduction rate for specific places except Australia.

CLP has a subsidiary in Australia which has set a standard to cap emissions, according to Yeung.

She also explained that the carbon intensity reduction did not amount to an actual cut in carbon emissions if the company continued to increase its energy production.

“They are playing with figures to give the public an impression that they are a green company,” she claimed, adding that power plants are Hong Kong’s largest greenhouse gas emitters, accounting for about 70 percent of total CO2 emissions in the city.

“The government only restricts power plants’ air pollutants at the moment but to combat climate change, it should also regulate their CO2 emissions.

“If power plants exceed the caps, they should be penalized financially,” she said.

CLP on Friday said a major initiative for Hong Kong is to bring in a liquefied natural gas terminal to increase natural gas in fuel mix of up to 50 percent for power generation against the current 30 percent.

Developing an offshore wind farm in Hong Kong is a possibility that the company will also look into.

CLP now operates one coal-fired power plant in Hong Kong at the Castle Peak power station.

The company said it is committed to not building new coal-fired power stations in Hong Kong or in developed countries.

It has plans for a transition from conventional coal to more climate-friendly fuels or technologies.

In developing countries where the company has conventional coal-fired generation plants, it will ensure they can be fitted with carbon capture and storage equipment to tackle emissions.

Climate Change Starts Here

Dec 6th, 2007
by AdminCTA.
No comments yet

Greenpeace climbers captivate power plant urging government to regulate its CO2 emissions

Hong Kong SAR, China — While the UN Climate Conference in Bali is thrashing out solution to global warming, two Greenpeace vessels gear towards the Castle Peak Power Plant, allowing the climbers to scale to a 30M-tall ash silos and suspend a 15m x 15m banner reading “Climate Change Starts Here” to protest against the government shirking its responsibility to restrain greenhouse gas emission from power plants.

Four Greenpeace climbers captivated today the largest local perpetrator of climate change, CLP Castle Peak Power Plant, while the UN Climate Conference in Bali is thrashing out solutions to global warming. The climbers scaled the fly ash silos and dropped a massive banner to urge the government to limit carbon dioxide emissions from power plants as a move to tackle climate change.

Frances Yeung, Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner, says the action alerts the public to indifference of the government to damages the power plants have done to the climate. “While other countries and metropolitans have already taken actions, Hong Kong government has made no immediate response to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power plants. Donald Tsang’s boast of his concern to global warming is far from the truth,” says she.

Power plants are the biggest local source of greenhouse gas emissions, which account for about 70% of carbon dioxide emissions (the major warming gases) in Hong Kong. Among them CLP is the biggest polluter, responsible for half of the release.

At present, the Government does not regulate emissions of carbon dioxide. Greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong have been increasing rapidly over the decade. Between 1990 and 2005, the emissions have increased 14%.

The government is now negotiating the new Scheme of Control Agreement (SOC) with the two local power companies which will last for 10 years. Greenpeace believes that global warming is too serious for the government to allow power plants to continue damaging the climate. The government must limit carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and their profits must be deducted if they exceed the emission caps.

Green Groups Push For CO2 Caps in Scheme of Control

Nov 28th, 2007
by AdminCTA.
No comments yet

Nishika Patel

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Six green groups have accused the government of not doing enough to curb greenhouse gas emissions, saying the new scheme of control will not force power companies into line.

Staging a protest at the Environment Bureau yesterday, members of the alliance urged authorities to cap carbon dioxide emissions for power plants and deduct their profits if the targets are not met.

Greenpeace said CLP Power and Hong Kong Electric are responsible for emitting 70 percent of carbon dioxide in the SAR and are the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions

The groups are angry that the government only regulates emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and respirable suspended particulates, but not the chief greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide .

“While countries around the world are actively fighting global warming, the SAR government simply allows carbon dioxide emissions to damage the climate without regulation. The government should not shirk its responsibility,” Greenpeace climate and energy campaigner Frances Yeung Hoi-shan said.

The alliance also wants a new scheme of control to set targets to reduce energy consumption and sanctions imposed if the power firms fail to meet the targets.

“Energy saving is the most cost- effective means to control greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. However, the government has suggested offering incentives to power plants to improve energy saving and demand-side management which, however, are not compulsory and only serve as foil,” Yeung said.

The groups included Friends of the Earth, Greeners Action, Green Sense, WWF Hong Kong and Clear the Air, along with Carbon Dioxide Foundlings.

Gradual Reduction Approach For Emission Caps

Aug 18th, 2006
by AdminCTA.
No comments yet

Good caps & a good penalty to get the blue sky back

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is going to renew the process license for the Lamma Island power plants of Hongkong Electric Company (HEC) very soon. It will also be the first time for the EPD to include emissions caps for the 3 air pollutants in the license. Greenpeace and Clear The Air urge the EPD to make good use of this renewal process to hold HEC accountable for their major role in Hong Kong’s air pollution, by setting yearly emission caps from now till 2010, and raise the penalty of excess emissions to a level that can deter non-compliance.

HEC is the second largest air polluter in Hong Kong. HEC supplies electricity to only 20% of Hong Kong’s population, but it emits 40% of SO2 in the power sector. (Note: appendix 1) Gloria Chang, Greenpeace campaigner, emphasized that, “It is high time for our government to set more stringent emission caps and raise penalty so as to push HEC to clean up our sky.”

Greenpeace and Clear The Air propose a gradual reduction approach for emission caps. The license for power companies should include a set of yearly emission caps that can ensure a decrease in emissions from now up to 2010. This approach can enable Hong Kong people’s ‘right to know’ the progress of planned reductions, whether the power companies are successfully approaching the overall 2010 reduction target and make sure that power companies cannot delay their actions to reduce emissions at the expense of society.

Furthermore, Greenpeace and Clear The Air demand that the EPD raise the penalty of excessive emissions to a level that is high enough to impact shareholder profits, not only to pressure the power companies to reduce air pollutants at a faster pace, but also to cover the social and health costs brought by air pollution.

Greenpeace and Clear The Air support the financial penalty as proposed in the “Future Development of the Electricity Market in Hong Kong: Stage II Consultation”, in which the permitted rate of return of power companies would be reduced if they fail to meet the statutory emission caps. This measure will be much more effective than the existing penalty as stated in “Air Pollution Control Ordinance” which is [a fixed fine of] HKD 100,000. (Chapter 311, Section 10, Claust 7b)

Also, Greenpeace and Clear The Air suggest that the EPD consider the penalty imposed on power companies under the US government’s “Clean Air Act”, where HEC would be fined US $2,000 per tonne of SO2 emission that exceeds the cap. If we use this level of penalty together with our gradual reduction approach, the penalty of HEC last year is estimated to be HKD 70 million. (Note: Appendix 2). Even this penalty would only amount to less than 2% of the total profit of HEC last year.

From 1997 to 2004, SO2 emissions in Hong Kong did not show the slightest decrease, but actually increased hugely – by 50%. (Note: Appendix 3) Only if the government is taking real action to tighten up the emission caps and penalty of power companies, can we have a chance to get the blue sky back.

Appendix 1: HK air pollutants emissions (1997- 2005) – HEC and CLP
Appendix 2: Gradual reduction approach and penalty
Appendix 3: HK air pollutants reduction progress, impacts of air pollution to health

← Earlier Posts Newer Posts →