T Park: Waste-to-Energy In Hong Kong

By Nina Cambadelis 15 February, 2017

Veolia's Cambadelis introduces T PARK, an innovative sludge treatment plant to help solve HK's growing waste

Over 90% of Hong Kong population is served by a public sewerage system consisting of over 1,600 kilometres of pipes and close to 300 pumping stations and sewage treatment works. While the sewage collected is sent to public sewage treatment works for treatment before discharge into water bodies in an environmentally sound manner, for years the semi-solid by-product of sewage treatment which is called “sludge” was disposed of at the three strategic landfills.

The increasing waste load by 2030 has put tremendous pressure on HK’s waste management capability

Due to a growing population, sewage upgrading and improvement works and the commencement of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme programme, the amount of sludge is estimated to reach about 2,000 tonnes per day by around 2030. The increasing “waste load” has put tremendous pressure on Hong Kong’s waste management capability.

Incineration – the best alternative solution for waste management

Countries in Europe like Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands are increasing the use of incinerators to turn waste into usable energy. In fact, waste-to-energy has become a preferred method of rubbish disposal in the EU, and in 2013, there were over 420 incineration facilities in Europe equipped to provide heat and electricity to more than 20 million people.
After extensive study of international best practices and professional assessment of a wide range of different treatment options by the Hong Kong Government, it was decided that incineration technology is the most viable solution for Hong Kong because it has no adverse environmental impact, is able to achieve greater volume reduction, produce extra energy for reuse, and has more reasonable operation and maintenance costs.

A showcase of waste-to-energy in action

T PARK, a self-sustained sludge treatment facility with state-of-the-art incineration technology designed to address the unique waste challenges in Hong Kong, was constructed and put into operation in April 2015. As one of the most technically advanced facilities of its kind in the world, T PARK combines a variety of advanced technologies into a single complex: sludge incineration, power generation, seawater desalination and wastewater treatment.

T PARK is a self-sustained sludge treatment facility with state-of-the-art incineration tech designed to address the unique waste challenges in HK

T PARK can process up to 2,000 tonnes of sludge per day & reduce its volume by up to 90%

T PARK can process up to 2,000 tonnes of sludge per day and reduce its volume by up to 90%, which dramatically cuts down the quantity of waste to be disposed in the landfills. Using a proven technology known as fluidised bed incineration, T PARK treats sludge through efficient combustion and recover the heat energy generated from the incineration process for the plant’s daily operation with surplus electricity exported to the public grid when it is running at full capacity.
The facility is built-in with sophisticated flue gas treatment equipment and a continuous emission monitoring system to ensure the emitted gas is in full compliance with strict international standards.

T PARK sets the pace for a more sustainable Hong Kong

The ecological design and architecture of T PARK set a new standard for green building in Hong Kong. The “wave-form” and streamlined design of the process plant building blends with the surrounding environment and the flue gas stack is concealed neatly within the facility. With a “full life-cycle” perspective in mind, the building materials are durable and recyclable. Besides, the architectural design makes the best use of daylight with green roofs acting as energy-saving insulation.

T PARK also achieves zero wastewater discharge…
… wastewater from the facility is treated & reused for irrigation, flushing & cleaning

T PARK also achieves “zero wastewater discharge” in total water management. Both potable water and process water for the facility is generated on-site through a seawater desalination plant. Rainwater is collected for non-potable use, and wastewater from the entire facility is treated and reused for irrigation, flushing and cleaning purposes.

A learning and rejuvenating experience for the public

70% of T PARK is covered by green features, including a variety of local species and a sanctuary for birds. It also has various recreational, educational and ecological facilities for the public, including an Environmental Education Centre, which features an interactive exhibition hall, a lecture theatre and a visitor gallery that allows visitors to view the operations of the plant.

T PARK also has recreational, ecological & educational facilities for the public

Recreational facilities in T PARK include 3 spa pools, a 9800m² Landscape Garden with an outdoor footbath, a Sky Deck with upcycling furniture and a café for visitors to relax in. They are all designed for the public to learn and explore the benefits of sustainable “waste-to-energy” management, recycling and environmental protection.
T Park is more than an industrial plant, but a place where people can get a first-hand learning experience and be involved in Hong Kong’s green drive through its educational, recreational and ecological facilities.

Further Reading

• 5 Trends For The Year Of The Rooster – The Rooster crows a new pecking order as China leads the global climate fight & drives structural changes at home. Stay on top with our 5 trends and make sure you are not walking on eggshells but laying golden eggs
• 5 Regulatory Trends: From Enforcement To Finance – Since 2016, China’s environmental policy landscape has undergone a series of important changes. CWR’s Xu summarises key regulations & 5 trends you need to know, from greater enforcement to green finance
• Dug-Up In China: The World’s Critical Raw Materials – China is the largest global supplier of many critical raw materials but growing domestic demand could mean it becomes a net importer. How will other countries secure these materials that are key to a low carbon future? China Water Risk’s Hongqiao Liu explores China’s direction in the 13FYP
• Fall of The Cement Industry: A Painful Transition – To combat air pollution in China, polluting industries are being shutdown but what are the impacts to local economies? Zhang Chun from chinadialogue looks at the cement industry in Yi’an, Hebei, where only one plant remains from over 100 previously
• Oil To Fall As Electric Vehicles Take Off – The growth of electric vehicles in China could displace 1mn barrels/day of crude oil by late 2020s. How will this impact companies with fossil fuel assets? How can Asian investors minimise their exposure? WWF’s Jean-Marc Champagne on their latest report

On Wastewater

• Treating Landfill Black Water – Landfill leachate, a highly polluting effluent, is now under new China EPA standards. Regular treatment has limitations but EWS:AOx™ by OriginClear is versatile alternative as its Jean-Louis Kindler, Nicholas Eckelberry and Stephen Jan show
• Water PPPs To Lead In China – All new water & wastewater projects in China need to follow the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model. Will this mean big change and how have other water-related projects been funded in China? China Water Risk’s Yuanchao Xu takes a look
• 8 Things To Know About Recycling Water – Recycling water could help alleviate some of China’s water challenges. Yet, only 10% of its treated wastewater is recycled. Not sure what reclaimed water is? Check out China Water Risk’s 8 things you should know about water recycling in China
• 8 Facts on China’s Wastewater – Don’t know anything about wastewater in China? Is it on the rise? Is industrial wastewater under-reported? Is it worse for rural areas? Check out our 8 facts from tech, key pollutants to standards

On Hong Kong Water

• Securing Water For Hong Kong’s Future – The Jockey Club Water Initiative on Sustainability & Engagement (JC-WISE) aims to secure long-term water sustainability for Hong Kong. CWR sat down with Dr Frederick Lee, member of the initiative
• Hong Kong’s Thirst for Bottled Water – Hong Kong has a plastic waste issue & consuming less bottled water can help this. Why then is Hong Kong still thirsty for bottled water? Mandy Lao explores consumer attitudes towards these
• Map to HK & Guangdong Water Governance – Amongst rising concerns over the supply of Hong Kong’s principal water source, the Dong River, Kris Hartley proposes a new collaboration framework for HK-Guangdong water governance
• 8 Things You Should Know About Hong Kong Water – Is Hong Kong’s water supply guaranteed? Can you drink straight from the tap? How much bottled water does Hong Kong consume? China Water Risk sets out 8 interesting facts about Hong Kong water