In the summer term of 2024, Prof. Sai Kishore Ravi led two field trips for postgraduate students from the School of Energy and Environment (SEE), themed on the Water-Energy Nexus. These trips offered students a chance to explore key operations in Hong Kong’s water sector and understand their energy demands. The students visited the Tseung Kwan O Desalination Plant and the Sha Tin Water Treatment Plant, where they observed advanced technologies in action.

The Tseung Kwan O Desalination Plant, developed and owned by Hong Kong’s Water Supplies Department (WSD) and managed by Binnies Hong Kong Limited, is a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s strategy to enhance water supply resilience. The plant employs ActiDAFF technology for combined flotation and filtration, and advanced reverse osmosis systems with energy recovery devices reclaiming up to 96% of pressure energy. This significantly reduces energy consumption. Additionally, the plant features over 1,800 solar panels with plans for a 10MW solar farm, aiming to meet 5% of Hong Kong's daily water demand and substantially reduce its carbon footprint.

SEE postgraduate students with Prof Sai Kishore Ravi (CityUHK) and Ir David Wong (Binnies HK) at the TKO Desalination Plant

The Sha Tin Water Treatment Plant, run by the Drainage Services Department (DSD), is the largest secondary wastewater treatment facility in Hong Kong. Serving 650,000 residents and treating 260,000 cubic meters of sewage daily, the plant incorporates Micro-turbine Generators and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Generators to convert biogas from sludge treatment into heat and electricity. These technologies boost energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

SEE postgraduate students with Prof. Sai Kishore Ravi and Ms. Sherman Cheung (DSD) at the Sha Tin Water Treatment Plant

During the visits, students participated in guided tours, interactive briefings, and discussions with plant staff, gaining a firsthand understanding of how renewable energy technologies and efficient water management systems are integrated into Hong Kong's infrastructure.

Special thanks to Mr. Law Wai Ho, Senior Engineer (WSD); Mr. David Wong, Senior Resident Engineer (Binnies HK Limited); Ms. Michelle Cheung, Resident Engineer (Binnies HK Limited); and Ms. Melissa Chan and Ms. Sherman Cheung, Community Relations Officers (DSD), for facilitating these impactful educational visits.

Highlights from the visit to Tseung Kwan O Desalination Plant

Highlights from the visit to Sha Tin Water Treatment Plant