John Tsang indicated that climate change is causing extreme weather to occur more frequently, and it is expected that Hong Kong will still experience extreme drought conditions in the future. He stated that extreme weather not only affects Hong Kong's water catchment but also impacts the Dongjiang water source, which supplies 70% to 80% of Hong Kong's raw water.
John Tsang mentioned that while Hong Kong lacks freshwater resources, it is surrounded by the sea, providing ample seawater resources. The construction of desalination plants can provide a stable water source that is not affected by climate change. "We need to be prepared and not wait until we are thirsty to dig a well, so that desalination can become an important water source for Hong Kong in the long run."
He also introduced that the desalination plant is expected to be operational by 2020, at which time it will be able to provide 50 million cubic meters of potable water annually, equivalent to 5% of the total potable water consumption inHong Kong, and can be further expanded to an annual production of 90 million cubic meters.
