Why the Ninepins?
Wind Power
Explore recently met with Wind Prospect's General Manager, Alex Tancock, and CLP Groups' Head of Environmental Strategy & Development, Rick Morse, for an update on the wind farm project proposed for the Ninepin Islands area.
All we can report now is that the feasibility study is ongoing and results should be ready in late 2007. It's taking a little longer than expected, pushing the proposed commissioning of the wind farm ahead one year to 2012, but according the Alex Tancock, this is often the case with such studies. Inevitably weather is a factor. "The initial work shows however that the site choice is a good one," Alex said.
Why choose the Ninepins? Simply speaking, that area turned out to be the best spot according to specific criteria on site requirements for the turbines and their impact to the area. To maximize economic and technical potential, the proposed site – chosen from 75 initially considered – had to be large enough to accommodate 50 turbines and also be at least 2 km from the nearest land and in less than 30 m of water.
Physical constrictions, such as undersea pipelines and cable routes, reclamation areas, bridges and tunnels, traffic routes, and locations of marine radar installations helped fix the location. Existing or proposed marine parks and fisheries protection areas, artificial reefs, marine fish culture zones, areas of fisheries production and dumping grounds all had to be taken into consideration. Buffer areas were also added in some circumstances, such as in moving away from the sight line of Tai Long Wan.
Use of GIS (Geographic Information System) plotting helped Wind Prospect finalize the choice for its feasibility study. Explore got a peek at these plots that marvellously illustrate the case but we are, unfortunately, not able to publish them.
Public consultations are slated to start in the first quarter of next year. They will initially begin with the District Council and green groups, though both companies say they are keen to hear all views. "The exchange of ideas is always helpful," said Rick. Here's where to look for more information and who to contact to ask your questions or give your views in the meantime: Hong Kong Offshore Wind Farm in Southeastern Waters Project Profile, April 2006 http://www.epd.gov.hk/eia/register/profile/latest/esb146.pdf Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief No. ESB-146/2006 Project Title: Hong Kong Offshore Wind Farm in Southeastern Waters http://www.epd.gov.hk/eia/english/register/index4/all_2006.html
Alex Tancock General Manager, Wind Prospect (HK) Limited http://www.windprospect.com/international.html Email: info@windprospect.hk Tel: 2922-1792 Marcella Chui China Light & Power Group, Group Public Affairs – Renewables http://www.clpgroup.com (search: Renewable Energy) Email: info@clp.com.hk (mark your email as Attention: Marcella Chui) |