LCQ18: Waste-to-energy facility for treating municipal solid waste
******************************************************************
Question:
The Environmental Protection Department has indicated that the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase I (I·PARK1), Hong Kong's first modern waste-to-energy facility for treating municipal solid waste (MSW), commenced the first phase of trial operation at the end of 2025. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the current trial operation status of the first incineration module of I·PARK1 (including daily MSW treatment capacity and monthly sent-out electricity output), and whether, during the trial operation, it has assessed if any impacts or abnormalities have been caused on the surrounding environment; if it has assessed, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) of the specific trial operation dates for the second and third incineration modules of I·PARK1 and the expected date for the entire I·PARK1 to commence full-scale operations and be open for public visits; the transportation arrangements to be implemented by the Government to facilitate public access to I·PARK1 for visits, as well as the implementation timetable;
(3) given that, according to the information provided in the Government's reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council regarding the Estimates of Expenditure for the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year, I·PARK1 will feature a small outdoor heated pool, of the latest progress of the construction of the pool; and
(4) of the latest progress of the construction of a new pier in Cheung Sha, South Lantau; whether the Government will consider the integrated development of I·PARK1 and the South Lantau Eco-Recreation Corridor, and the arrangement of feeder boats to connect South Lantau with I·PARK1, thereby boosting local tourism and economic development; if so, of the details and the implementation timetable; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
Located on an artificial island off Shek Kwu Chau, the first modern waste-to-energy facility in Hong Kong, the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 (I·PARK1), has commenced the first phase of trial operation in December 2025, marking the launch of a new approach for managing municipal solid waste (MSW) in Hong Kong beyond reliance on landfills by turning MSW into energy. It signifies a crucial step of Hong Kong toward achieving our target of "zero waste landfilling" by 2035.
In consultation with the Development Bureau, the reply to the question raised by the Hon Judy Chan is as follows:
(1) The first phase of trial operation of I·PARK1 has been generally smooth. The contractor carries out testing and commissioning, as well as calibration to major systems through actual operation of the incineration module, including waste reception and storage, the flue gas treatment system, seawater desalination and wastewater treatment system. The design capacity of the first incineration module is 1 000 tonnes of MSW daily. As the trial operation phase progresses, the treatment volume has been steadily increased. As of February 23, 2026, the average daily treatment volume is about 740 tonnes in February 2026.
The heat recovered from the incineration process at I·PARK1 is used to generate electricity. Apart from supporting the facility's own operations, about 480 million kWh of surplus electricity can be exported to the power grid each year which is enough to power 100 000 households a year. As the power transmission system would be connected to the power grid, the contractor must collaborate with the power company to conduct system testing and ensure that such connection will not affect the stability of Hong Kong's electricity supply. The contractor anticipates that I·PARK1 will begin to generate electricity for the facility's use in the second quarter of 2026. Upon completion of testing of the power transmission system, as well as the commissioning of the remaining incineration modules, and producing sufficient electricity, I·PARK1 will export surplus electricity to the power grid.
Additionally, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has established air quality monitoring stations (AQMS) at Cheung Chau and Tong Fuk in South Lantau for continuous monitoring of air quality near I·PARK1 to monitor the environmental impact of its operations on surrounding areas. Since I·PARK1 commenced the first phase of trial operation, the air quality data recorded at these AQMS have shown no difference compared to the pre-trial operation levels. This indicates that the trial operation of I·PARK1 has not affected the ambient air quality in the vicinity.
(2) Based on the current works schedule, the second and third incineration modules of I·PARK1 are expected to progressively commence system testing and trial operation in the first half of 2026, with the aim of achieving full operation within this year. Meanwhile, the contractor is pushing forward the construction and equipment installation works for visitor facilities, including the Environmental Education Centre and a viewing gallery, targeting for trial operation in the third quarter of 2026, and commencing public bookings for visits within this year. The contractor will also provide ferry service between I·PARK1, Cheung Chau and Central to facilitate public access.
(3) Regarding the proposal to provide swimming or spa facilities at I·PARK1, the EPD has maintained close communication with local stakeholders (including the Community Liaison Group) to take forward the suggestion. Earlier this year, local stakeholders expressed reservations about utilisation and cost-effectiveness of the provision of such facilities at I·PARK1, and preliminarily suggested providing relevant facilities on nearby outlying islands with more residents. The EPD will continue to follow up such suggestion with local stakeholders and relevant government department.
(4) The Government is studying the development of the South Lantau Eco-Recreation Corridor (the Corridor), which aims to enhance the eco-recreation potential of the coastal areas of South Lantau (including Cheung Sha, Shui Hau, Shek Pik and Pui O). By making good use of the rich natural ecological and historical cultural resources in South Lantau, the Corridor aims to develop eco-recreation tourism and promote local economy. From April to July 2025, the Government collected submissions of the Expression of Interest from the market regarding the development of the Corridor project. The Government is now reviewing and analysing the collected views and suggestions, as well as conducting various technical assessments to ascertain the feasibility, and to refine and enhance the development proposal for the Corridor. This includes studying a proposal to construct a pier at Cheung Sha in order to enhance water transport facilities and connect the surrounding islands (such as Shek Kwu Chau) via waterways. The Government will report on the study progress within 2026 to 2027.
Ends/Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:50
Issued at HKT 11:50
NNNN