Shenzhen, China — In the vibrant metropolis of Shenzhen, the streets are buzzing with a new kind of energy. The city’s commitment to sustainability is on full display as electric vehicles become a common sight. At the recently upgraded Lianhua Hill Supercharging Station, drivers can charge their new electric vehicles (NEVs) faster than ever before. The station now offers up to 600 kilowatts of charging power, allowing 46 vehicles to recharge simultaneously.
This charging revolution is part of Shenzhen’s broader initiative to enhance infrastructure for NEVs. As of October 2024, over a quarter of the vehicles in Shenzhen are electric, marking a significant shift toward greener transportation. This trend isn’t isolated; across China, NEV sales have soared. According to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), more than 9.5 million NEVs were sold in 2024 alone, a staggering 41.2 percent increase from the previous year.
But China’s green transformation extends beyond the roads. The nation is making monumental strides in renewable energy, particularly in solar power. Official data indicates that by the end of October, China’s installed solar power capacity reached an impressive 793 gigawatts, surpassing wind and hydroelectric power to become the country’s second-largest power generation source. Vast solar farms stretch across the eastern and western regions, harnessing the sun’s energy to power cities and industries.
One of the most groundbreaking projects is located in Hami, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Here, a 1-million-kilowatt integrated solar project combines photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal power generation. The facility features China’s largest “Linear Fresnel” concentrated solar power (CSP) demonstration, using 260,000 sun-tracking mirrors to capture and store solar energy. “The combination of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems allows for uninterrupted power generation around the clock,” said Niu Jianle, the project manager. “We use photovoltaic energy during the day and solar thermal energy at night.”
This innovative approach not only maximizes energy output but also demonstrates the potential of integrating solar power with energy storage solutions. Such advancements are crucial for replacing traditional energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
China’s commitment to sustainability also encompasses the logistics sector, a backbone of the national economy. The industry is undergoing a green transformation by adopting clean energy vehicles like hydrogen-powered trucks and optimizing supply chains with digital technologies. According to the China Green Logistics Development Report (2023-2024), one of the key trends is the rise of multimodal transport. By integrating road, rail, and water transport, China aims to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency within its vast logistics network.
Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing logistics operations. These innovations streamline processes, reduce energy consumption, and enhance overall efficiency. Furthermore, companies are embracing sustainable practices like using recyclable packaging and biodegradable materials to minimize waste.
He Liming, head of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP), emphasized the role of intelligent systems in this green shift. “Technologies like hydrogen fuel logistics vehicles and intelligent warehousing systems have made significant strides,” he noted. “They are creating new pathways for the industry’s green transformation.”
As China forges ahead with its sustainable development goals, the fusion of technological innovation and environmental consciousness is setting a powerful example. The nation’s efforts in NEVs, renewable energy, and green logistics not only contribute to global sustainability but also inspire other countries to pursue their own green transformations.
Reference(s):
China's 2024 green transformation through sustainable technologies
cgtn.com
