Single largest solar power generation system in Hong Kong

The single largest solar power generation system (1 MW) in Hong Kong was designed and constructed via a new partnership- Chiho Environmental Group (“Chiho”) and EcoSmart Energy Management Limited (“EcoSmart”). The system in Chiho’s Hong Kong factory in the Yuen Long Industrial Estate, was launched in February 2021  and completed at the end of May 2021.

It is currently the single largest solar power system in Hong Kong. This system will be able to generate 1,013,375 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year (approximately equivalent to the total electricity consumption of 241 Hong Kong households), which is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 572,000 kilograms per year.

It is fully financed by EcoSmart and installed on the rooftop of the Chiho’s Hong Kong factor.It will contribute to sustainable development, as well as the  general income from power generation for Chiho. It is hoped that this will act as a model to allow other Hong Kong companies and organisations to realise the benefits of utilising the roof space for solar power systems and encourage them to work together to tackle global climate change.

The solar power system designed by EcoSmart Energy for Chiho Eco Protection Limited has adopted Korean LG solar panels, which is one of the highest performing panels officially distributed by EcoSmart in Hong Kong. In addition to its resistance to strong winds and ability to slow down performance deterioration, its light coating helps reduce the energy lost at high temperatures. Integrating the Enerwise real-time monitoring system with the most advanced IoT technology, the system is connected to Hong Kong’s first EcoSmart solar real-time monitoring centre to continuously measure solar irradiance to estimate the performance of the photovoltaic system.

It also generates big data for analysis purposes, to ensure the power generation efficiency and the year-round operation of the system. There are a total of 2,437 solar panels in the system, and the rated power is (1 MW). The annual output of electricity is 1,013,375 kWh (equivalent to the electricity consumption of 241 Hong Kong households). It is estimated that approximately 572,000 kilograms of carbon emission (equivalent to planting 26,217 trees) can be effectively reduced per year.

Chiho Environmental Group (a company listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, stock code: 00976.HK) is one of the world’s largest listed scrap metal recycling companies. Its business widely covers the recycling of ferrous metals, non-ferrous metal scraps, end-of-life automobiles, and electronic wastes, manufacturing of recycled aluminum ingots, and recycling and processing of waste lubricants. It has operating bases covering three continents in Asia, Europe and North America, and has more than 240 processing plants and stock yards.

Samson Lui, the General Manager of Chiho Eco Protection Limited, said: “Our company’s visions are to actively contribute to the sustainable development and to build an environmentally friendly world. With an efficient and diverse team, we are committed to becoming a global circular economy solution partner by providing quality products and services. We are very rigorous in choosing the contractor for this project.”

Stephen Ma, CEO of EcoSmart commented “being the most committed contractor in Hong Kong in promoting green energy, our team wishes to shoulder the social responsibility and actively promote cooperation between the business sector and environmental protection groups.Part of the ‘feed-in tariff’ proceeds will be donated to the ‘World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong – WWF’ to promote the development of renewable energy in Hong Kong. Such cooperation with Chiho Eco Protection Limited allows us to make a contribution to sustainable development.

EcoSmart Energy has been established in Hong Kong for more than 10 years. It is engaged in renewable energy engineering and energy management and committed to promoting green technology. Its professional team is familiar with relevant Hong Kong building regulations, electricity safety requirements and the “feed-in tariff” application process, providing customers with a “one-stop” solar system installation services. It has been widely known for focusing on industrial, commercial and housing estate customers with large-scale projects such as Ma On Shan Saddle Ridge Garden (800KW), Telford International (380KW) and Kyowa (230KW) in Yuen Long Industrial Estate, Lam Soon Group (220KW) and Maxim’s Group (330KW) in Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tung Chung Cathay City (220KW), etc. Three solar energy projects – Gammon Construction Limited at Technology Park Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate  (250KW), the English Schools Foundation and the Hong Chi Association School won renewable energy awards in 2020.

Karen Ho, Head of Corporate Sustainability, WWF Hong Kong Branch (WWF) ” less than 1% of the current electricity in Hong Kong is generated by renewable energy, which is far from the goal of carbon neutrality. We look forward to the support and participation of the public, government, and business sector to promote renewable energy, to increase the proportion of renewable energy generation to 10% by 2030. We also hope to see more large-scale solar power projects to be completed in Hong Kong, with an aim to promote Hong Kong as the most sustainable city across Asia.” She added,”We also hope to see more large-scale solar power projects to be completed in Hong Kong, with an aim to promote Hong Kong as the most sustainable city across Asia.”