In 2023, Hong Kong SAR China primarily relies on fossil fuels for its electricity needs, with more than three-quarters of its electricity generated from these sources. Specifically, almost half comes from gas, and just over a quarter stems from coal. Meanwhile, the region sources close to a quarter of its electricity through net imports. Low-carbon sources, such as solar and biofuels, contribute a negligible share to the domestic electricity generation. The reliance on fossil fuels presents significant challenges in terms of climate change and air pollution, underscoring the urgency for Hong Kong to transition toward cleaner energy options.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Hong Kong SAR China?

The electricity consumption in Hong Kong SAR China has slightly declined over the past decade. The current consumption stands at about 6615 kilowatt-hours per person, which is a slight decrease of approximately 2% compared to the previous high of 6772 kilowatt-hours per person recorded in 2012. Despite this overall decline in electricity usage, there has been a modest increase in low-carbon electricity generation, which currently stands at 48 kilowatt-hours per person, marking a small positive change of 4 kilowatt-hours from the previous year. This incremental growth in clean electricity is a promising sign, though it remains crucial for Hong Kong to accelerate this shift to meet future electrification demand.

Suggestions

To substantially increase low-carbon electricity generation, Hong Kong SAR China can look to successful regions for guidance. Emphasizing nuclear energy, regions like France and Slovakia generate the majority of their electricity from nuclear sources, with shares as high as 70% and 66%, respectively. Such examples illustrate the potential for Hong Kong to develop its nuclear energy capacity. Additionally, solar power should be pursued vigorously, as demonstrated by states like Nevada and countries like Lebanon and Cyprus, where solar accounts for roughly a third of their electricity generation. By drawing on these examples, Hong Kong can strategically enhance its energy infrastructure to create a more sustainable and resilient electricity system.

History

Historically, Hong Kong SAR China has made minimal advancements in low-carbon electricity generation, particularly in the early 21st century. From 2006 to 2018, contributions from biofuels and wind remained virtually unchanged. However, a slight improvement emerged with the introduction of biofuels in 2019, and a marginal increase in solar energy was recorded from 2021 to 2022. Disappointingly, 2023 saw no additional gains in solar or biofuels generation. This lackluster history underscores the need for a more robust approach to harnessing low-carbon energy sources, particularly emphasizing the vital roles solar and nuclear energy can play in developing Hong Kong's green electricity future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade