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Solar ferry and solar golf carts go into operation at Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course Demonstration components of HKJC's Environment Project

25 June 2010

Environmental protection is an issue of growing importance worldwide, and one in which the whole community needs to become involved. To set a good example and help raise public awareness of environmental protection and sustainable development, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has committed to adopting renewable energy systems at the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course (KSC) in Sai Kung, including the use of solar power on its golf carts and the introduction of solar-hybrid catamarans. These projects will also serve as demonstration components of the Environment Project embarked upon by the Club in 2008.

Today (25 June), Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson joined Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong to perform the launch ceremony of ''Green Journey'', marking the maiden voyage of the new catamaran and the full conversion of KSC's golf carts to solar power.

These two green initiatives not only help KSC reduce its energy consumption and further enhance its high environmental standards, but also decrease carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and help Hong Kong keep its air and water cleaner.

Mr Stevenson said at today''s ceremony that the Club was always looking for new ways to improve the quality of life and well-being of the community. With this in mind, the Club''s Charities Trust took the initiative in 2008 to launch a multi-year Environment Project. One of the components !V a demonstration project !V is introduced in partnership with KSC to showcase the use of new technologies for energy saving. ''After today''s maiden voyage of ''Solar Golf'', we will be introducing three more solar-hybrid catamarans in phases to operate the ferry link to the island. In addition, the fourth of these catamarans will run education programmes to promote environmental awareness more widely. We are also delighted to know that Solar Sailor Holdings, an Australian company, won the ''Environmental Technology of the Year Award'' yesterday in London at the Sustainable Shipping Awards 2010 supported by the Royal Institute of Naval Architects. This award is for the HMP technology in use on the four ferries to be used on the Kau Sai Chau service,'' he said.

Mr Stevenson also noted KSC''s partnership in the design development of a solar power system for its golf carts and had since successfully converted all 205 of its electric golf carts to solar power, making KSC the first golf course in the world to apply the system to its entire golf cart fleet. ''We estimate the solar ferry and solar golf carts will bring fuel savings of around 50% and reduce CO2 emissions by around 1,280 tonnes a year to reduce air and marine pollution,'' he said. ''By taking this first step, we hope to encourage others to join our efforts in making Hong Kong a cleaner, greener and healthier place for future generations to enjoy.''

Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong said, ''with these small steps in using RE would together make a big leap for a switch to cleaner, pollution-free and more sustainable way of power generation, and in turn contributing to combat climate change.''

Australian Consul-General in Hong Kong and Macau Les Luck said today''s launch represented the first commercial application of the innovative hybrid-power ferries in Hong Kong.

''Australia''s new Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, yesterday reaffirmed Australia''s commitment to supporting emerging energy technologies to reduce the world''s reliance on carbon emission-producing energy sources,'' said Mr Luck. ''These ferries are a shining example of how Australians are already contributing to the desire for a cleaner global environment.''

The catamarans have both hybrid solar-powered electrical engines and diesel-powered engines, which can operate in parallel when cruising. While approaching the piers or embarking and disembarking passengers, only the electric motors will be deployed, thus keeping noise and emissions to a minimum. There is also reduced noise when the vessels are at sea, as the engine room is located aft and outside the passenger compartment.

In addition, the use of lightweight materials in the hull helps save energy, and the vessels' durable solar panels will last for at least 15 years. The solar-hybrid catamarans are estimated to save up to 50% in fuel consumption and about HK$2.5 million a year in operating costs compared with the existing ferries.

On land, the 205 golf carts at KSC have been equipped with purpose-designed solar-power canopies, featuring a unique curved framework design that enriches the absorption of sunlight. This enables some 99% of available solar energy to be converted into electricity. Moreover, the system can be adapted to all types and brands of golf carts.

Test results show that golf carts installed with this system can be used for the whole day while traditional electric carts have to be recharged after an 18-hole round of golf. This results in a significant reduction of at least 30% in electricity consumption. In addition, the fact that the life of the golf cart batteries will be doubled resulting in an annual savings to KSC of approximately HK$400,000 per year. The longer service hours also mean that the number of warden carts can be reduced, which further saves the operating cost.

The system was developed jointly by KSC, the School of Design of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, SolarDrive ApS of Denmark, and locally-based company Vedbaek Concepts. KSC served as a test venue to ensure that the panels were suitable for the golf carts and that their functions could be maximised.

Environment Project

The Environment Project launched by the Club in 2008 with HK$350 million funding from its Charities Trust aims at mitigating the effects of climate change on Hong Kong and minimising the impact on health through informing and engaging the public. In addition to international symposia and public forums, a series of public awareness programmes and school educational initiatives is being organised.

The project will include a number of demonstration components, for which KSC is acting as a partner of the Project. The introduction of solar-powered golf carts and solar-hybrid ferries at KSC comprises the first two demonstration components. These green initiatives aim at setting an example to other organisations by saving fuel, cutting emissions and reducing the city''s pollution.

The Hong KongJockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has become one of Hong Kong''s best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city''s major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects. It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city''s growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.

Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson says the introductions of solar-hybrid catamarans and solar golf carts will save energy and help keep Hong Kong!|s air and water cleaner.
Photo 1:
Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson says the introductions of solar-hybrid catamarans and solar golf carts will save energy and help keep Hong Kong!|s air and water cleaner.

Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong says that the small steps in using RE would together make a big leap for a switch to cleaner, pollution-free and more sustainable way of power generation, and in turn contributing to combat climate change.
Photo 2:
Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong says that the small steps in using RE would together make a big leap for a switch to cleaner, pollution-free and more sustainable way of power generation, and in turn contributing to combat climate change.

Australian Consul-General in Hong Kong and Macau Les Luck says today!|s launch represented the first commercial application of the innovative hybrid-power ferries in Hong Kong.
Photo 3:
Australian Consul-General in Hong Kong and Macau Les Luck says today!|s launch represented the first commercial application of the innovative hybrid-power ferries in Hong Kong.

Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson (left) and Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong (right) mark the maiden voyage of Solar Golf, the first solar-hybrid catamaran.
Photo 4:
Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson (left) and Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong (right) mark the maiden voyage of Solar Golf, the first solar-hybrid catamaran.

Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson (front row, 2nd from left); Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong (front row, 2nd from right); Club Stewards Simon S O Ip (front row, 1st from left); Anthony W K Chow (front row, 1st from right) and Michael T H Lee (back row, 2nd from left); Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (back row, 2nd from right); the Club!|s Executive Director, Charities, Legal & Corporate Secretariat Douglas So (back row, 1st from left); and General Manager of The Kau Sai Chau Jockey Club Public Golf Course Cameron Halliday (back row, 1st from right) embark on the maiden voyage of Solar Golf, the solar-hybrid catamaran.
Photo 5:
Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson (front row, 2nd from left); Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong (front row, 2nd from right); Club Stewards Simon S O Ip (front row, 1st from left); Anthony W K Chow (front row, 1st from right) and Michael T H Lee (back row, 2nd from left); Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (back row, 2nd from right); the Club!|s Executive Director, Charities, Legal & Corporate Secretariat Douglas So (back row, 1st from left); and General Manager of The Kau Sai Chau Jockey Club Public Golf Course Cameron Halliday (back row, 1st from right) embark on the maiden voyage of Solar Golf, the solar-hybrid catamaran.

Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson (front row, 2nd from left); Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong (front row, 2nd from right); Club Stewards Simon S O Ip (front row, 1st from left); Anthony W K Chow (front row, 1st from right) and Michael T H Lee (2nd row, 1st from left); Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (2nd row, 2nd from right); the Club!|s Executive Director, Charities, Legal & Corporate Secretariat Douglas So (3rd row, 2nd from left); General Manager of The Kau Sai Chau Jockey Club Public Golf Course Cameron Halliday (2nd row, 1st from right); Sai Kung Rural Committee Chairman Lok Sui-sang (2nd row, 2nd from left); Australian Consul-General in Hong Kong and Macau Les Luck (3rd row, 1st from left); Senior Trade Commissioner of Austrade in Hong Kong and Macau Phil Ingram (3rd row, 1st from right); and Chief Executive of The Australian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong and Macau Deborah Biber (3rd row, 2nd from right) on the Solar Golf.
Photo 6:
Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson (front row, 2nd from left); Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong (front row, 2nd from right); Club Stewards Simon S O Ip (front row, 1st from left); Anthony W K Chow (front row, 1st from right) and Michael T H Lee (2nd row, 1st from left); Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (2nd row, 2nd from right); the Club!|s Executive Director, Charities, Legal & Corporate Secretariat Douglas So (3rd row, 2nd from left); General Manager of The Kau Sai Chau Jockey Club Public Golf Course Cameron Halliday (2nd row, 1st from right); Sai Kung Rural Committee Chairman Lok Sui-sang (2nd row, 2nd from left); Australian Consul-General in Hong Kong and Macau Les Luck (3rd row, 1st from left); Senior Trade Commissioner of Austrade in Hong Kong and Macau Phil Ingram (3rd row, 1st from right); and Chief Executive of The Australian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong and Macau Deborah Biber (3rd row, 2nd from right) on the Solar Golf.

Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson (5th from right); Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong (6th from right); Club Stewards Simon S O Ip (6th from left); Anthony W K Chow (5th from left) and Michael T H Lee (4th from right); Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (3rd from right); the Club!|s Executive Director, Charities, Legal & Corporate Secretariat Douglas So (2nd from left); General Manager of The Kau Sai Chau Jockey Club Public Golf Course Cameron Halliday (1st from left); Sai Kung Rural Committee Chairman Lok Sui-sang (4th from left); Australian Consul-General in Hong Kong and Macau Les Luck (3rd from left); Senior Trade Commissioner of Austrade in Hong Kong and Macau Phil Ingram (2nd from right); and Chief Executive of The Australian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong and Macau Deborah Biber (1st from right) with the solar golf carts.
Photo 7:
Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson (5th from right); Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong (6th from right); Club Stewards Simon S O Ip (6th from left); Anthony W K Chow (5th from left) and Michael T H Lee (4th from right); Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (3rd from right); the Club!|s Executive Director, Charities, Legal & Corporate Secretariat Douglas So (2nd from left); General Manager of The Kau Sai Chau Jockey Club Public Golf Course Cameron Halliday (1st from left); Sai Kung Rural Committee Chairman Lok Sui-sang (4th from left); Australian Consul-General in Hong Kong and Macau Les Luck (3rd from left); Senior Trade Commissioner of Austrade in Hong Kong and Macau Phil Ingram (2nd from right); and Chief Executive of The Australian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong and Macau Deborah Biber (1st from right) with the solar golf carts.

Guests take a ride in the solar golf carts.
Photo 8:
Guests take a ride in the solar golf carts.

Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson (left); Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong (centre); and Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (right).
Photo 9:
Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson (left); Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong (centre); and Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (right).

The solar-hybrid catamarans will operate the ferry service between Sai Kung and the Golf Course, helping to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions as well as keeping the city's air and water cleaner.
Photo 10:
The solar-hybrid catamarans will operate the ferry service between Sai Kung and the Golf Course, helping to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions as well as keeping the city's air and water cleaner.

The purpose-built solar power system put into use at KSC can be adapted to all types and brands of golf carts.  It is the first golf course in the world to adopt such technology for its entire fleet.  The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course was one of the joint developers of the system.
Photo 11:
The purpose-built solar power system put into use at KSC can be adapted to all types and brands of golf carts. It is the first golf course in the world to adopt such technology for its entire fleet. The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course was one of the joint developers of the system.

 

 

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