The Environmental Protection Department today renewed Black Point Power Station's licence under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance with conditions on emissions and use of natural gas. It will be valid until the end of 2009.

The department said regarding the need to keep emissions to a minimum and the current level of natural gas supply, emission caps at the station will be maintained at the current level.

For 2008 and 2009 sulphur dioxide emissions will be capped at 520 tonnes, nitrogen oxides at 2,500 tonnes and respirable suspended particulates at 65 tonnes per year.

To encourage use of natural gas for power generation which emits significantly less air pollutants than coal-fired units, the department has provided in the licensing conditions for an increase in the use of natural gas at the station.

The increase in emissions must be offset by a corresponding reduction at Castle Peak Power Station by a ratio ranging between 5.6 to 58 times, depending on the different pollutants. This offsetting arrangement will ensure a greater net reduction of overall emissions from power generation, the department said, adding it is consistent with the Government's policy to progressively tighten emission caps to ensure achievement the 2010 emission reduction targets.