-       By Mr. Keith Wong

The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is one of the world’s leading airports and ambition to become a smart airport city in the world. Aside from the development of 3 runway system, there are also expansion with various infrastructures developments and implementation of advanced technologies to support the sustainability development and reduce the carbon footprint.

To broaden the understanding, the HKIE Electrical Division organized a technical visit to HKIA on 26 November 2021. During the visit, the HKIA’s Ir Amen Tong (General Manager) and Ir James Ng (Senior Manager – Electrical & Mechanical) introduced the development roadmap - transforming HKIA into a new landmark for Hong Kong and GBA. Aside from the 3 Runway Systems which targets to complete in 2024, the HKIA would like to become be an airport city, and position as the preeminent international aviation hub in Asia Pacific. The development comprises retail complexes, dining area, hotels, entertainment, facilities and offices. The Sky City aims to develop as a new world class destination, and the Asia World Expo Phase 2 Development offers Hong Kong’s largest indoor performance venue with 20,000 seat capacity and over 100,000 sq meters exhibition area, building HKIA as Asia E-commerce Hub.

HKIA also adopted the new technologies and innovative method, such as Advanced biometric and touchless technology and Auto parking to improve the customer experience in “Park and fly” and “Park and visit”. To support the government sustainability policy, HKIA targets to achieve 55% carbon reduction before 2035. HKIA implemented a 4MVA Generator House Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) rather than the traditional diesel backup generator which is the largest Battery Energy Storage System in Hong Kong. Lithium-ion battery technology allows energy storage capability with high level of energy density and provides additional advantages Good safety Profile, Green loader - Charge during routine generator load test to utilize use of generated energy, and also Peak shaving flexibility.

Through this visit, members gained knowledge about the development of HKIA and also how the advanced technologies to be implemented and support the sustainability future. On behalf of the EL Division, we would like to express our gratefulness to Ir Amen Tong, Ir James Ng and HKIA for arranging and supporting the visit.