Hong Kong dismantles its only commercial wind turbine

The 800-kilowatt wind turbine, located on the outlying island of Lamma, was commissioned in 2006 to study the potential of wind power for this megacity in southern China.

HK Electric indicated that the equipment had reached the end of its 20-year lifespan and that the installation had "successfully fulfilled its role".

"Since most of its specialized components and spare parts are no longer manufactured, and given that no commercially available compatible wind turbine model is available for direct on-site replacement, HK Electric concluded that dismantling the wind turbine was both a prudent and timely measure to ensure public safety," the company stated on its website.

The installation has reduced carbon emissions by approximately 13 million kilograms over its lifetime, equivalent to the carbon dioxide absorbed by 560.000 trees in one year, HK Electric detailed in a statement.

The city of Hong Kong is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas and coal, for its electricity production, while renewable energy accounts for only about 1%.

Offshore wind farms were proposed by the city's two electricity companies, but the projects were suspended due to their high costs.

The city has set itself the goal of achieving carbon neutrality before 2050.