Green technology under spotlight at mega event

In response to the nation's goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, the low-carbon energy and environmental technology subsection will be unveiled to audiences at the fourth edition of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

Upgraded from the theme of energy conservation and environmental protection under the Intelligent Industry and Information Technology exhibition area, the new subsection is further divided into three areas: green energy, building energy conservation and environmental improvements.

According to Liu Fuxue, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau, the establishment of the special subsection provides a platform for Chinese energy and environmental protection companies to communicate with international peers and thus aid China's low-carbon transformation and upgrading of energy consumption.

Fifty industry leaders are showcasing their latest technological breakthroughs and innovations at the 11,000-square-meter subsection. Among them is Siemens Energy, which is attending the CIIE for the first time. The company's multimedia interactive model applied in an energy system is set to make its global debut at the expo and showcase the prospects of low-carbon transformation through the use of virtual reality technologies. The company is also highlighting its research and development results in green hydrogen and offshore wind turbines.

"This year's CIIE is of special significance as it addresses the challenges of confronting climate change. Energy transformation is the way to realize carbon neutrality and energy companies should assume due responsibility," said Yao Zhenguo, president and CEO of Siemens Energy Greater China.

By displaying Siemens Energy's technologies and services throughout its global low-carbon process, the company can provide examples of technology paths for China's low-carbon development and build a new-type sustainable energy ecosystem with Chinese partners, Yao said.

Another company exhibiting its products at the low-carbon energy and environmental technology subsection is international conglomerate Johnson Controls, which will unveil its digital platform OpenBlue in China for the first time.

Ma Duanning, digitalization solutions director for Johnson Controls North Asia, said that digital solutions can work as the "brain" in the sustainable transformation of urban constructions. The digital platform can track real-time sustainable development indicators of buildings and generate reports of data and energy saving strategies to help buildings achieve carbon neutrality.

But exhibits related to low carbon are not limited to the new subsection at this year's CIIE. For example, French industrial conglomerate Schneider Electric, which has attended all editions of the CIIE, will be showcasing its zero carbon factories and industrial parks at its booth. The reason for highlighting these facilities, said Yin Zheng, executive vice-president for the company's China operations, is that low-carbon and industrial upgrading are two major trends found in various industries in China.

Swiss testing and inspection company SGS also exhibits two customized industrial products at the CIIE in response to China's green objectives, said Wang Huili, the company's marketing manager.

One displays carbon accounting and carbon emissions reduction measures throughout the entire life cycle of new energy vehicles while the other helps the textile industry demonstrate how companies can lower carbon emissions when producing garments, said Wang.