Sustainable Development
Renewable energy
Energy Composition in Taiwan
Renewable energy (except nuclear power) takes up approximately 12% of the energy generation in Taiwan.
Energy Composition in Hong Kong
Renewable energy (except nuclear power) takes up only approximately 2% of the energy generation in Hong Kong. Therefore, the Hong Kong government should maximize the use of renewable energy by learning from Taiwan to maintain sustainable development.
Wind Power
Taiwan ranked second in the density of wind power generation.
Operation:
air flow
wind turbines
power generators
electricity
Shimen Wind Power Station
According to the records updated on the information board of the Shimen Wind Power Station:(the day we visited there: 20/11)
Taiwan generates a sufficient amount of electricity to support its demand by fully utilize their natural resources of high annual rainfall.
Favorable conditions for wind power generation in Taiwan
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Summer southwest monsoon wind and winter northeast monsoon wind
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A number of favorable locations to construct wind power plants
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Surrounded by sea providing good wind flow
Offshore Wind Farm in Hong Kong
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China Light and Power Hong Kong Limited has started the investigation on the possibility of constructing the offshore wind farm in Hong Kong since 2006.
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With data showing that Hong Kong has insufficient wind flow and hence instable wind supply, the project is now postponed for further consultation and collection of data.
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It is also doubted that such wind farm may cause other environmental issue namely water pollution.
Comparison between Hong Kong and Taiwan
Hong Kong has a large population and limited land supply. As Hong Kong’s situation does not favor the development of wind power generation, the number of wind power plants is still scant. The effectiveness of one power plant is questionable.
Hydro-electricity
What are the advantages and disadvantages of developing hydro-electricity?
Comparison between Hong Kong and Taiwan
Comparing with Taiwan, the technology of the generation of hydropower is less well-developed in Hong Kong. It seems that hydro-electricity is not suitably and not favourably to be developed in Hong Kong.
Conclusion
The geographical location and natural resources are different as cheese and chalk in Hong Kong and Taiwan. The development of renewable energy in Hong Kong faces insurmountable obstacle. According to the government document, having an offshore wind farm to power 1%-2% of the city will result in a 3%-5% increase in the electricity tariff, causing heavier financial burden and hence strong opposition from the society.
The government is suggested to increase the composition renewable energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels in Hong Kong to maintain a sustainable development. Education and more promotion of renewable energy are needed to raise the public awareness and enrich their knowledge on environmental issues. Subsidy of electricity bill should also be given to the lower strata of the society. Additionally, the government can gather the opinions from different stakeholders through consultations in order to work out a suitable energy composition in Hong Kong.
Recycle
Taiwan was once known as “The Garbage Island”. However, it has boosted the recycling rate to an impressive number of 55%. Reasons of such successful case is illustrated underneath.
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Effective Policy Implementation
(a) Separation of waste
Rubbish is categorized into 3 areas, general refuse, recyclables and kitchen waste. General refuse is expected to be incinerated as it cannot be recycled. Taipei further categorizes kitchen waste into the raw ones, which is used as fertilizers of farmers, and the cooked ones, which is processed into food for pigs and other farm animals.
(b) Levy Scheme on rubbish bags
It is a quantity-based charging system run by the Taiwan government. In order words, people have to pay according to the amount of waste they produced by buying designated garbage bags which are made from disposable plastic bags. This can significantly increase the economic incentive and the initiative of people to recycle and produce less waste.
(c) Convenient pick-up spots of rubbish
3 rubbish trucks arrive at different pickup spots at specific time every week. 4,500 pickup spots five nights a week give great convenience to its citizens, with mobile apps that alert users to nearby truck stops.
2. High public awareness
Education is the key to raise public awareness. The Taipei government had organised over 340 community briefing sessions and 400 sessions for management and waste collection staff of buildings. Video cameras, used to catch violators, are installed at many places. Fines are also charged and half the value of the total fines collected are offered to citizens who provide evidence that help authorities catch violators. All these have the effect of deterrence, contributing to the successful recycling policy.
Tzu Chi Foundation
How to determine which category your recycled papers fall in?
Things cannot be recycled
Reflection on Paper Recycling
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understand how difficult and time consuming it is to properly recycle reusable materials
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should appreciate the effort made by the volunteers of Tzu Chi to reduce waste and conserving the environment
Words from a Volunteer in Tzu Chi
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Perseverance is the key to success in environmental protection.
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We need to recycle reusable materials on a regular basis.
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We should always be thankful to what we have and take responsibility in protecting our world.
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Everyone can use their own power to make a great change.
DIY session
Conclusion
According to the Hong Kong Research Association, more than 50% of interviewees do not have the practice of recycling waste. The root of the problem of the unsuccessful recycling campaign in Hong Kong is low public participation. People often regard recycling as a time-consuming and ineffective way to tackle the tremendous waste. The inconvenience of recycling spots also hinders their initiative to develop this habit.
On the contary, the Taiwanese are self-motivated to sort out their own garbage. The systematic recycling policy implementation and high environmental ethnic contributes to the achievement of their recycling campaign. On top of that, public monitoring system in Taiwan create deterrence within the community, which also results in the successful outcome.