HK FSRU Gets Environmental Nod

Hong Kong-based utility CLP has received environmental nod for its offshore LNG receiving terminal, it said in a report published October 15.

“In October, the Environmental Protection Department granted the permit for the proposed development of the offshore LNG terminal, after completing the review of the environmental impact assessment study,” it said. The project now needs Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government’s approval.

Earlier this year, Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) entered into a preliminary agreement to supply a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), as well as jetty operation and maintenance services for the Hong Kong offshore LNG terminal project on a long-term contract. The Hong Kong offshore LNG terminal project is being developed to support the HKSAR government's target of generating about half of Hong Kong's electricity from natural gas from 2020 onward to improve air quality.

The FSRU is expected to enter into service earliest by end-2020 after delivery and completion of commissioning. It will distribute gas into two destinations in Hong Kong, the Black Point power station located at New Territories and Lamma power station located at Lamma Island.

CPC in its October 15 report said construction of the new gas-fired generation unit at Black Point power station is on with installation of key equipment in progress. While CPC operates the Black Point power station, Lamma is operated by Hong Kong Electric. In addition to Black Point, CLP operates two other power stations: Castle Peak and Penny’s Bay.