Lamma Power Station: The Backbone of Hong Kong Island’s Electricity Supply

Lamma Power Station, located on Lamma Island, is Hong Kong’s second-largest power plant after Castle Peak Power Station. Construction began in 1978 and was completed in stages through 2001. The site was chosen for its deep-water access, allowing large fuel vessels to dock safely, and for its ample space to accommodate future expansion.

Covering about 50 hectares, Lamma Power Station plays a critical role in supplying electricity, provided by Hong Kong Electric, to Hong Kong Island, Ap Lei Chau, and Lamma Island. With an installed capacity exceeding 3,300 megawatts (MW), it provides power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, making it a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s energy infrastructure.

Lamma Power Station utilizes a combination of fuel types and technologies to generate electricity efficiently and with reduced environmental impact:

• Coal-fired units: The backbone of the station, using pulverized coal burned in boilers to produce steam that drives turbines.
• Oil-fired gas turbines: Used primarily for peak demand and quick-start capabilities.
• Natural gas combined cycle units: More recent additions that burn natural gas to power turbines and use waste heat to generate additional electricity, improving efficiency.
• Renewables: The station hosts Hong Kong’s first commercial-scale wind turbine (Lamma Winds, 800 kW) and a small solar power system (1.1 MW).

This diverse fuel mix allows Lamma to balance supply reliability with environmental considerations, gradually shifting towards cleaner energy sources.

Lamma Power Station supplies electricity to Hong Kong Island and Lamma Island itself. It serves most of Hong Kong Island's electricity needs. Additionally, it provides power to Lamma Island in the Islands District

The power station serves over half a million customers and is the second-largest power station in Hong Kong.

In 2023, the station experienced two fires in its coal-loading area. Fortunately, the fires were put out quickly and no disruption occurred to energy service.

Before Lamma, the Ap Lei Chau Power Station was the primary electricity provider on Hong Kong Island. Built in the 1960s and commissioned starting in 1968, it featured oil-fired steam turbines with unit sizes ranging from 60 MW to 125 MW.

However, its location posed challenges: limited space, difficult access for large fuel vessels, and constraints on expansion. As demand grew, it became clear that a larger, more accessible facility was needed. Consequently, Lamma Power Station was developed to replace Ap Lei Chau.

When Ap Lei Chau was decommissioned in 1989, some of its generating units were relocated to Lamma. The former power station site has since been transformed into South Horizons, a popular residential area.

Electricity generated at Lamma Power Station is transmitted at high voltage (275 kV) through submarine cables beneath the East Lamma Channel to Hong Kong Island. Upon arrival, the power passes through substations which reduce the voltage to safer levels for distribution to homes and businesses.

For the MTR and tram systems, this electricity is further converted and distributed through specialized traction substations and rectifier stations that transform the power into the required 750V DC overhead supply used by these electric rail networks.

The transmission network is designed with multiple redundancies and interconnections to ensure reliability. This system allows for flexible load management and quick response to any supply disruptions, keeping the lights on reliably across Hong Kong Island.

Lamma Power Station is getting greener and more efficient:

• Replacing old coal units with new gas-fired combined cycle units
• New 380 MW gas unit started in 2024Another unit planned for 2029
• These new units burn cleaner fuel and use advanced tech to reduce pollution
• Moving toward 100% natural gas to cut carbon emissions
• Exploring hydrogen blending in the future for even cleaner energy
• Continuing to add renewable energy like solar and wind to the mix

The goal? A cleaner, more efficient power station that meets the energy needs of half a million customers, while simultaneously protecting the environment.

Weirdly, the Lamma Power Station area is a significant habitat for bird species, hosting a rich diversity of avian life. Recent surveys have recorded up to 51 bird species within the power station grounds, highlighting it as a bird haven rich in biodiversity, according to Hong Kong Electric.

Notably, in 2025, four bird species were spotted at Lamma Power Station for the first time: the Great Egret, Japanese Thrush, Feral Pigeon, and Common Sandpiper.

More broadly, over 40% of the more than 100 bird species found on Lamma Island can be observed at the power station. The station's diverse habitats and planned landscaping with native trees and shrubs provide food sources and shelter for these birds, supporting their presence and migration needs.