HIT taps solar power


Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) has switched on a new solar panel installation as the latest addition to its green energy programme.

The 129 photovoltaic (PV) panels located above the gatehouse at Terminal 4 at the Kwai Chung container port - the fifth largest private sector solar PV installation in Hong Kong - will produce around 19,200 kWh of electricity a year, which will be used to power the canopy floodlights, gatehouse office lighting and security office equipment.

Unlike previous solar installations at HIT, these panels are directly wired into the CLP Power grid to generate power rather than heat, allowing the lights and equipment to automatically switch back to mains power if there is not enough solar power to sustain their operations.

HIT has an extensive green programme and its environmental policies extend to all areas of terminal operations. The company is in the process of converting all diesel-driven RTGs to electric or hybrid models, resulting in a significant reduction in emissions and fuel consumption.

Electronic ballasts have also been installed on the crane floodlights as part of an energy saving programme and HIT also has two electric cars and four hybrid buses in use for intra-terminal transportation.

“The investment in solar PV panels demonstrates HIT’s commitment to continually improving its environmental performance through the use of green and renewable energy sources. We are always exploring ways that we can use technology to minimise the impact of our operations on the environment,” said HIT managing director Gerry Yim,

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