Special shine on reservoirs

THE Water Supplies Department (水務署) is looking into installing floating solar panels at various reservoirs.
Pilot solar power systems at Shek Pik Reservoir (石璧水塘) and Plover Cove Reservoir (船灣淡水湖) with a total of 352 panels have been operating for six and 12 months respectively. They can generate enough electricity for 36 households to use in a year.
The panels at Plover Cove were installed in the form of a ship, and it became a new place of interest for people to visit and take photographs.
Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing (黃錦星) noted that introducing solar panels at reservoirs can kill two birds with one stone. It can slow climate change as well as protect water resources by reducing the evaporation of water and controlling the growth of algae.
The two solar power systems generate electricity for use by Water Supplies Department (WSD) facilities nearby. They also reduce carbon emission by 84 tonnes. The panels are made of glass that do not reflect sunlight and do not disturb wildlife.
The Drainage Services Department (渠務署) also has renewable energy facilities in place. Its Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works (小濠灣污水處理廠) boasts the largest solar farm in Hong Kong.
Going into operation in 2016, the farm has more than 4,200 polycrystalline photovoltaic panels that is generating 25 percent of the power needed at the plant.

(This article is published on Junior Standard on 14 May 2018)

Renewable energy use in Hong Kong
https://goo.gl/7xbaeB

Floating solar power system
https://goo.gl/G6H3FK