The Observatory's Use of Renewable Energy

The Hong Kong Observatory has been using renewable energy for nearly 45 years.

The Observatory operates a number of automatic weather stations in various locations of Hong Kong. These stations provide real-time weather information, such as wind, temperatures and rainfall, to support weather monitoring, forecasting as well as warning of severe weather. Some of the stations are located in remote areas or on islands with no supply of city power. Since the 1980s the Observatory has deployed solar panels to power these remote automatic weather stations.

In 2000 and 2001, to explore additional source of energy, wind-powered generators had also been tested at eight automatic weather stations at Lantau and on islands near the airport at Chek Lap Kok. At a wind speed of 20 kilometres per hour commonly experienced at hilltops and exposed places of Hong Kong, each generator is capable of generating 50 Watts of electrical power, sufficient to support an automatic weather station. Due to harsh environmental conditions and remoteness of the outstations, these generators were difficult to maintain and often failed. Wind-powered generators were gradually phased out.

As of 2025, there are more than 50 weather stations and rain gauges equipped with solar panels, many of which rely solely on solar power.