CLP Power’s Case Sharing - Improving Energy Efficiency in Electricity Production Processes
Preamble
Using our natural resources responsibly is one of the CLP Power’s environmental commitments, and the efficient use of electricity is fundamental for both our customers as well as for our internal processes. Since 2000, CLP Power has implemented a wide range of energy saving initiatives in its power stations, all of which have reaped sustained savings year after year.
Program Details
CLP Power’s energy saving programmes at the power stations consist of the following three major elements:-
- Process Optimization – review and optimize the running of major auxiliary equipment such as fans and water pumps to reduce energy usage
- Wastage Minimization – avoid energy wastage through the deployment of energy efficient lighting device and the use of automatic control device, e.g. photocell
- Energy Management Information System – install an energy management information system with energy measurement devices to monitor energy use and compare with optimized operation practice
The majority of these programmes are undertaken with minimal costs. The investment cost incurred covers a new Energy Management Information System (50% of the investment), energy measurement devices, and energy saving devices such as efficient lamps and photocells. It is estimated that the investment could be paid back in about 2 years.
Besides recurring savings, these programmes also resulted in emissions reduction that amounted to tens of tonne s of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides and about 17,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Lessons Learned
The process of identifying and implementing energy efficiency measures helps to develop a culture of pursuit for operational excellence. A work team of different disciplines and functions, together with management commitment and feedback from frontline workforce are instrumental in the success.
The majority of savings (about 75%) have been made through operational efficiency improvement at no or low cost. The use of an energy management information system can provide a platform to sustain energy saving.
For management issue information, please contact:
Mr Richard Eastwood, Director of Generation, T. 2678 4928
For technical information, please contact:
Dr Simon Chan, Plant Engineering Manager, Generation Business Group, T. 2678 5562