CLP builds substations to fuel Northern Metropolis with underground cables to prevent power cut

The Northern Metropolis is set to become Hong Kong's new engine for growth.

The CLP Power has set up three electrical substations there which are expected to satisfy the hub's electricity needs for at least a decade.

From R&D facilities, the MTR Northern Link, to future supercomputing and data centres -- every major development relies on a robust power supply.

To meet this demand, the CLP Power commissioned three substations in 2024.

One is located right next to the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, serving the Park and the Lok Ma Chau Loop area.

The other two substations are placed in Kwu Tung North and on Ma Sik Road respectively.

They are built to meet local energy demand for at least ten years.

In the past, power is usually transmitted through overhead towers in the New Territories, which can be vulnerable to extreme weather.

To ensure stability, all cables in these new development areas have been laid underground.

Michael Lau, director of the power company said underground cables are much less susceptible to external factors, allowing CLP to maintain high reliability.

He added they have put a lot of thought into the grid design, incorporating multiple backup power sources so that even if an incident occurs, the electricity supply remains uninterrupted.

Looking ahead, the CLP Power plans to build at least ten substations in the Northern Metropolis.