The key strategic goals of the Drainage Services Department (DSD) in 2018 and 2019 have been to promote the development and application of renewable energy, and strengthen their capacity in energy saving and reduction of carbon emission. The achievement and effectiveness of these strategic goals were continuously monitored and reviewed with the target set for perpetual improvement through the Department’s “Green Management Committee” and “Energy and Emission Management Team”. Also, DSD organises yearly events to exchange ideas with academics and researchers, tries out remarkable proposals with great potential in enhancing their facilities, and implements those which have undergone successful trials. In order to continuously provide high quality and low-carbon sewage treatment services, DSD has been actively developing various forms of renewable energy such as solar energy, biogas and hydropower systems and enhancing their utilisation. In addition, DSD has recently teamed up with the Environmental Protection Department to introduce the food waste and sludge anaerobic co-digestion process as a trial at the Tai Po Sewage Treatment Works. It is estimated that up to 50 tonnes of food waste can be processed daily. This will help enhance the production of biogas and at the same time reduce the amount of digestate.

Share experience and enhance image

Through case sharing sessions, DSD encourages staff to actively offer their views, holding to the mottos of “Putting oneself in another’s shoes” and “Doing it from the heart” for the effective application of renewable energy in their systems. DSD also strives to enhance the image of the Department as well as the government as a whole. For instance, the opening of the public renewable energy information centre at the Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works serves to promote the government’s effort in the development and application of renewable energy. DSD also participates in various technical seminars and activities for promoting and sharing the Department’s experience in renewable energy.

Work hard and aim higher

Riding on the spirits of "Innovating with Courage", "Daring to Try" and “Practising with Care", DSD is devoted to the continuous development and application of renewable energy and has gained wide recognition. DSD will maintain the momentum and targets to increase renewable energy utilisation in the Department by 9.5 MWh per year by 2024-25, accounting for 20% of the annual increase in government infrastructures.