CLP is investigating the feasibility of an offshore wind farm, potentially consisting of 67 units of 3 MW wind turbines, to be located at the south-eastern waters of Hong Kong SAR. The feasibility study involves the installation of a meteorological monitoring mast (met mast), for gathering of environmental data over a period of at least 12 months, at the proposed project offshore site location with water depth of approximately 30 m. Offshore suction caisson foundation technology was selected to be used for the foundation for the met mast due to its environmental and economic benefits. The installation method of pumping out water from within the caisson to generate net differential water pressure which drives the pile into soil has the benefits of minimal noise impact, no requirement for dredging, quick installation, minimum disturbance to seabed, ease of decommissioning and re-usability at other location, etc. 

Ir Ada Chan, engineering manager, HK Renewable Energy, CLP Power HK Ltd and Ir Dora Shum, associate, Geotechnical Group of Ove Arup & Partners HK Ltd