China - June 17, 2024

Storyline:
Solar energy powers China's first zero-carbon expressway service area

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As China aims to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, more and more transport facilities in the country are leveraging clean energy for lower carbon footprints.

Like this expressway service station in the eastern province of Shandong.

It’s the country's first zero-carbon rest stop, that runs entirely on solar energy collected from photovoltaic panels.

An AI-powered energy management system, meanwhile, stores surplus power that can be used later.

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Kong Jie, deputy general manager, Shandong High Speed Energy Development Company:

"Every morning, at around 9 or 10 o'clock, there is sufficient sunshine, and the efficiency of solar power generation reaches a peak. During that period, the amount of power generated far exceeds what’s needed for the service area’s operations. The system will automatically switch to a mode that stores the excess energy while maintaining power supplies. When the sunlight dims and the efficiency of power generation gradually decreases after 17:00, the system will automatically start to release power to ensure uninterrupted supply of green electricity for the whole service area."

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According to its operator, the 20-hectare rest stop contributed to a carbon emission reduction of more than 3,400 tons last year.