Identifying Decarbonization Technologies in Hong Kong: Overcoming Geographic Challenges to Low-Carbon Energy Development

Hong Kong, a dynamic and densely populated global urban area, is grappling with the urgent need to transition its energy grid towards sustainable sources. The city's dependency on gas and oil raises environmental and economic concerns. In addition, such dependencies have negative implications regarding high greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and energy security issues. Transitioning to low carbon energy sources such as solar, wind, and nuclear energy would play a crucial role in supporting Hong Kong's efforts to move toward a more sustainable future. However, the city's unique geographic, political, and infrastructural constraints present several obstacles to realizing these goals. With limited undeveloped land resources, dense urban development, and high population density, integrating renewable energy infrastructure into the existing or any future grid presents severe challenges. This thesis explores the potential for Hong Kong to overcome these challenges by analyzing successful energy transition strategies from other high-density cities, including Tokyo, New York, Seoul, and Bristol. In addition, nuclear energy is analyzed as a viable solution to diversify Hong Kong’s energy mix, addressing both its potential to reduce carbon emissions and the public perception challenges associated with it. By identifying applicable lessons from these cities and examining local policy, technological, and societal considerations, this research offers a framework for policymakers, utilities, NGOs, and academic institutions to collaborate on achieving a low-carbon energy future for Hong Kong.