Hutchison invests $10 million in Hong Kong’s first solar-powered quay cranes

The photovoltaic system, comprising of 84 solar panels, have been installed on the quay cranes.

Energy collected will be used to power auxiliary systems including air conditioning and lighting systems in the quay cranes.

With estimated three hours of exposure to sunlight every day, the photovoltaic system on quay cranes will be able to generate roughly 42,000 watt-hour (Wh) of energy with a 98.75% system efficiency.

With the solar panels already installed in eight car parks and 24 substations, the total energy generated will be more than 1.6 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, which is equivalent to the amount of energy required to charge approximately 3,920 electric cars for a month or 875,000 smartphones for a year.

“HIT is committed to managing its carbon footprints by exploring environmentally sustainable alternatives. With the installation of solar panels on quay cranes, we are glad to be taking our green mission to the next level and support Hong Kong in becoming a low-carbon and green city,” said Ivor Chow, Managing Director of HIT.

“Looking ahead, we will continue our endeavours in optimising terminal facilities and exploring other applications of renewable energy to build a sustainable port ecosystem.”

Aside from solar energy, HIT has reportedly implemented energy-saving and emissions-reduction measures, such as the deployment of electric vehicles, the conversion of hybrid power systems of rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes to electric systems, and the promotion of efficient electricity consumption.

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