Hutchison Ports’ Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) has installed PV system on the quay cranes, comprising 84 solar panels, with the investment of $9.9m (HK$78m).
With these two new solar panel on quay cranes, the energy collected will be used to power auxiliary systems including air conditioning and lighting systems in the quay cranes. It is estimated that with the three hours of exposure to sunlight every day, the photovoltaic system on quay cranes will be able to generate roughly 42,000 watt-hour (Wh) of energy with a 98.75% system efficiency.
Moreover, with the existing solar panels in eight car parks and 24 substations, the total energy generated will be more than 1.6 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, which is equivalent to the amount of energy required to charge approximately 3,920 electric cars for a month or 875,000 smartphones for a year.
“HIT is committed to managing its carbon footprints by exploring environmentally sustainable alternatives. With the installation of solar panels on quay cranes, we are glad to be taking our green mission to the next level and support Hong Kong in becoming a low-carbon and green city,” said Ivor Chow, Managing Director of HIT.
“Looking ahead, we will continue our endeavours in optimising terminal facilities and exploring other applications of renewable energy to build a sustainable port ecosystem,” he said.
The firm informed that in addition to solar energy, HIT has implemented energy-saving and emissions-reduction measures that include the deployment of electric vehicles, the conversion of hybrid power systems of rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes to electric systems, and the promotion of efficient electricity consumption.
