Other Renewable
Energy Technologies

Hydroelectric

FAQ

Q1.	What is the power threshold between small hydro and large hydro?
Ans:	Capacity limits of small hydro plants vary from country to country - some at 10MW or lower, some at 15MW, 25MW, or 30MW. For the International Energy Agency, the line of demarcation between small hydro and large hydro is 30MW.

Q2.	Is hydro power considered a renewable energy resource?
Ans:	Hydro power is a renewable energy source, because it arises from solar energy evaporating the sea water. In some countries, large hydro is excluded from the statistics of renewable energy, but is reported as a separate category in the energy statistics.

Q3.	What are the considerations for developing hydro power in Hong Kong?
Ans:	The water resources in Hong Kong are not feasible for developing large hydro, but for certain locations may be adequate for developing small or micro-hydro systems. Apart from the technical issues, non-technical issues such as environmental concerns should be taken into consideration for any hydroelectric projects in Hong Kong.

Q4.	Is there any potential location for installation of run-of-the-river system in Hong Kong?
Ans:	In Hong Kong, most of the rivers and waterways are located within country parks and special conservation areas. Development of a run-of-the-river system will require the construction of a diversion for the river, and a forebay to hold the water temporarily until the water is released through the flume or penstock to turn the turbines. Such a system would cause impacts to the local ecology and the water flow regime, and is therefore undesirable within the country park areas.

	Also, river flows in Hong Kong vary greatly throughout the year, and could cease at certain times of the year. Therefore, run-of-the river systems would not be able to provide a reliable source of power.