If you have a good slogan or a creative design that will turn heads, HK Electric is giving out that opportunity to show your mettle. The Company under the Smart Power Campaign has launched an Electric Vehicle (EV) Decoration Competition inviting creative ideas to help decorate its EV fleet.
Responding to the Government's promotion of the use of EVs, HK Electric has increased its EV fleet as well as installed EV charging facilities in public car parks. The competition aims at enhancing public awareness regarding EV's environmental benefits.
EVs, which are powered by electricity instead of petrol or diesel, are becoming increasingly popular because they are emission free and highly energy efficient. From now till end of June, the competition invites entries from students and members of the public to demonstrate through graphics and slogans the environmental benefits of EVs.
The competition is one of the highlights of this year's Smart Power Campaign which promotes low carbon living. A four-point action plan has been devised to encourage the public to acquire more knowledge on low carbon lifestyle; reduce their carbon footprint; increase usage of public transport or EVs; and give up bad habits such as wasting energy.
Speaking at today's Launching Ceremony, Chairman of Legislative Council's Panel on Economic Development, the Hon. Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung, said he supported the campaign as it would help people learn the smart use of power, enhance energy efficiency, as well as make good use of global resources.
Pointing out the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions in combating climate change, Mr. Lam said he was already taking action. "Cut down on using lifts and walk more…it's more beneficial to health. My office is on the 4th floor and I always use the stairs."
Managing Director of HK Electric, Mr. Tso Kai-sum, said the Company has also embarked on a number of measures to reduce emissions. He noted the second of a two-stage emission reduction programme at Lamma Power Station, retrofitting two more flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) plants and one low NOx burner, has recently been completed. The first phase which retrofitted one FGD and one low NOx burner was completed last year.
"At the same time, we are increasing our gas-fired generation from 20% in 2009 to 30% within this year. With all these measures in place, we will be able to reduce the emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulates by 40% to 70%, compared with 2005 figures. We are confident of meeting the 2010 emission reduction target set by the Government," Mr. Tso said.
Meanwhile, HK Electric continues to develop renewable energy in Hong Kong. Following the earlier announcement of a plan to build an offshore wind farm in Southwest Lamma Channel, the Company is to install in Lamma Power Station the largest solar power system in the city.
Mr. Tso said: "We are trying to harness solar energy on a large scale through installing a solar power system comprising 5,500 Thin-Film Photovoltaic (TFPV) modules. These modules will be installed on the rooftop of the power station buildings and installation is expected to be completed by mid 2010. The system will generate about 620,000 units of electricity a year, offsetting 520 tonnes of carbon emission."
This year's Smart Power Campaign will comprise a host of activities including roving exhibitions, school talks, Open Days at Lamma Power Station and Lamma Winds, and radio promotion programmes. The first roving exhibition will be held at Taikoo MTR station from 3 to 5 May.
Mr. Tso hopes people will unite to make Hong Kong a low carbon society. A "Low Carbon Glossary" will be published in May explaining some common terms in simple language for the benefit of the students.
More than 200 guests attended the ceremony, including students from C & W District St. Anthony's School, CUHKFAA Chan Chun Ha Secondary School, Kowloon Tong School (Secondary Section) and Queen's College Old Boys' Association Secondary School, Pun U Association Wah Yan Primary School and Buddhist Lim Kim Tian Memorial Primary School who joined in a programme parade for major activities to be held this year.