Regional LNG: Hong Kong to build 1st LNG terminal

Hong Kong utility firm CLP Holdings Ltd. said Tuesday it will decide where to build Hong Kong's first LNG terminal by early next year, to help it meet the city's growing electricity demand with a cleaner energy source, agency reported.

Managing Director Andrew Brandler said he expects the LNG terminal to start operating in 2010, a year earlier than the company's previous estimate, if the Hong Kong government approves its proposal by the end of next year.

Hong Kong-based CLP has narrowed down the possible sites for the proposed LNG terminal to two: an area next to its Black Point Power Station in the New Territories, and South Soko Island.

CLP's planned LNG terminal is part of measures it is taking to help bring pollutant emissions down to the level the Hong Kong and Guangdong governments had previously agreed to achieve by 2010. It hasn't given details on the capacity of the planned terminal. (*)