The Concrete Jungle Goes Green: A quick overview of Hong Kong’s Net Zero Strategy. 2050?

As one of the world’s most densely populated vertical cities, Hong Kong faces unique challenges in the global fight against climate change. In response to the Paris Agreement and national directives, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government released "Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050" in October 2021.

This ambitious blueprint sets a definitive target: to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050, with an interim goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% before 2035 (relative to the 2005 baseline).

The strategy is built upon four major decarbonization strategies:

1. Net-zero Electricity Generation,

2. Energy Saving and Green Buildings,

3. Green Transport, and

4. Waste Reduction.

The Four Pillars of Decarbonization

1. Net-zero Electricity Generation:

Electricity generation is the largest source of carbon emissions in Hong Kong, accounting for over 60% of the total.

The plan aims to phase out coal-fired generation entirely by 2035. To replace coal, the government is increasing the share of natural gas in the short term while aggressively pursuing zero-carbon energy sources. This includes developing local renewable energy (solar and wind) and, crucially, exploring regional cooperation to import zero-carbon electricity from Mainland China.

The ultimate goal is for renewable and zero-carbon energy to constitute 60% to 70% of the fuel mix by 2035.

2. Energy Saving and Green Buildings:

Buildings account for about 90% of Hong Kong's electricity consumption. Therefore, demand-side management is critical. The government is promoting green building certification and retro-commissioning for existing structures.

The goal is to reduce the electricity consumption of commercial buildings by 30% to 40% and that of residential buildings by 20% to 30% by 2050. This involves tightening energy codes, promoting smart technologies, and incentivizing energy-efficient renovations.

3. Green Transport:

Transportation is the second-largest emission source (approx. 18%). The roadmap focuses on the electrification of vehicles and the development of a hydrogen economy. The government has ceased the new registration of fuel-propelled private cars in 2035 or earlier.

Concurrently, they are expanding the electric vehicle (EV) charging network, aiming to marketize charging services. Trials for hydrogen fuel cell double-decker buses and heavy vehicles are also underway to tackle emissions from the commercial sector.

4. Waste Reduction:

Waste contributes about 7% of emissions, largely methane from landfills. The strategy emphasizes "Waste-to-Energy" and "Waste-to-Resources." The government is moving away from reliance on landfills by developing modern incineration facilities (like I·PARK) that convert waste into electricity.

The proposed Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) charging scheme—though currently facing implementation delays—remains a core policy tool intended to drive behavioral change and reduce waste generation at the source.

Current Status and Challenges

As of late 2024 and early 2025, Hong Kong is in a transitional phase where policy is meeting the friction of reality.

On the positive side, the energy transition is visible. The two power companies (CLP and HK Electric) have significantly reduced coal usage (just look at the trend of the emission factors from both CLP and HK Electric), and offshore LNG terminals are operational. The adoption of Electric Vehicles has surged; electric private cars now account for a significant majority of newly registered vehicles, supported by tax concessions.

However, challenges remain substantial. The MSW Charging Scheme, originally slated for 2024, was suspended indefinitely in mid-2024 due to public concern over economic pressures and operational complexities. This represents a significant setback for the waste reduction pillar.

Furthermore, the city struggles with land scarcity, making the development of large-scale local renewable energy farms (like solar or wind) difficult, forcing a heavy reliance on future energy imports which requires complex cross-border infrastructure.

Conclusion

Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050 is a comprehensive and necessary framework that acknowledges the city's specific urban context. While the targets for 2035 and 2050 are clear, the path requires navigating significant hurdles, particularly regarding waste management and regional energy integration.

Success will depend not just on government infrastructure projects, but on the city's ability to foster deep regional collaboration with the Greater Bay Area, public education, attitude change and secure public buy-in for difficult lifestyle changes.

The "Pearl of the Orient" has a plan to shine green, but the execution of that plan in the coming decade will be the true test of its resilience.

References & additional readings

1. https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/environment/global/climate.htm

2. https://cnsd.gov.hk/en/climate-ready/climate-targets-of-hk/

3. https://cnsd.gov.hk/wp-content/uploads/pdf/CAP2050_leaflet_en.pdf

4. https://www.energysaving.gov.hk/esc2025/filemanager/doc/1-Energy_Saving_Charter_and_4T_Charter_Briefing.pdf

5. https://www.hkgbc.org.hk/eng/beam-plus/beam-plus-new-buildings/green-building-cert/index.jsp

6. https://www.hkengineer.org.hk/issue/vol52-dec2024/cover_story/

7. https://www.epd.gov.hk/eia/files/applications/en/pp_906/eia_5842/progress/action_169096/eia_3072024/Text/Chapter_2.htm

8. https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/environment/waste/management/mswcharging.htm

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