Energy use in Hong Kong: Part III, spatial and temporal patterns

Abstract

The spatial and temporal patterns of distribution of energy use in Hong Kong are examined in detail. It is shown that the intensity of energy use varies from 0.02 x 10 8 MJ/km 2 in more rural parts, up to 109.46 x 10 8 MJ/km 2 in the heavily industrialised and residential parts of the urban centre of Hong Kong. The highest intensities of energy use are comparable with any recorded in the industrial cities of the developed world. One simple index combining energy use and population density shows that more people are exposed to the environmental impact of high energy use in Hong Kong than in most other centres with similar intensities of energy use. Energy consumption is up to 26% higher in summer than in winter in Hong Kong. Diurnal patterns of energy use show peaks in energy consumption between 0700–1100 hours and 1600 and 1900 hours. Artificial heat generation over all of Hong Kong for a 24-hour period is 1.7% of mid-summer and 2.3% of mid-winter incoming solar radiation. However, in a populous part of the urban area in which power plants are located, during a 24-hour period artificial heat generation is more than double mid-winter and 1.7 times mid-summer incoming solar radiation. Urban planning and environmental consequences of these energy use patterns are discussed.