City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLPe) have partnered to explore low-carbon energy consumption technologies on campus. This landmark collaboration aims to accelerate decarbonization and promote renewable energy solutions, including the installation of advanced, high-efficiency bifacial city solar panels.
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Renewable Energy Adoption
As part of this CLP solar initiative, CLPe will leverage its expertise to deliver a comprehensive ‘solar power system-as-a-service’ solution. The project will use advanced bifacial solar panels that can capture sunlight from both sides for maximum efficiency.
The solar power system will be installed on the rooftops of over 30 campus buildings, covering a total area of up to 4,500 square meters. This system is projected to generate 1.15 GWh of electricity annually—enough to power approximately 280 households and reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 450 tonnes per year.
CLPe will also install a real-time monitoring system to track performance and enable remote control. Beyond energy generation, the project will serve as a vital platform for scientific research and innovation led by CityUHK.
The project also includes testing a passive radiative cooling paint developed by i2Cool, a CityUHK affiliate. This innovative paint reflects sunlight and reduces building temperatures, which could further enhance the performance of the solar power system.
As CityUHK President Professor Freddy Boey explained, ‘Our university is committed to sustainable development and addressing 21st-century challenges through innovation. This collaboration with CLPe exemplifies our efforts to tackle urgent environmental issues.’
Future Collaboration and Expansion
Scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year and conclude by early 2025, the solar project marks the first phase of a broader collaboration between CLPe and CityUHK. Both parties are committed to working together on various initiatives, including energy conservation, carbon reduction, and sustainable development.
This project is a prime example of how academia and industry can collaborate to address the challenges of a low-carbon economy. By promoting education on energy use and deploying advanced solar technologies, the initiative contributes to a more sustainable future for Hong Kong.
