Changyi's change a microcosm of green energy transition

In recent years, the city has expanded this initiative by installing solar panels on sites such as wasteland and animal barns.

The local government is currently committed to a new 2,000-hectare solar project situated on alkaline-salt marshland near the shore.

Once completed, the project is expected to generate 1.65 billion kWh of clean electricity annually, equivalent to the power produced by approximately 700,000 tons of coal.

This development will substantially enhance the city's solar power capacity, which currently stands at 1.9 billion kWh a year.

Changyi is a significant electricity consumer, holding the sixth position for electricity consumption among all counties and cities in Shandong province. The county used to heavily depend on external power sources.

Through the rapid advancement of the new energy sector, Changyi has greatly bolstered its self-sufficiency in power generation, Zhang said.

"This progress hasn't just eased the pressure on electricity demand — it's also ramped up the use of green electricity. By constantly fine-tuning how energy is consumed locally, these moves are really helping out with the whole dual carbon strategy," she said.

Zhang was referring to China's dual carbon goals set in 2020 — peaking carbon dioxide emissions before the end of this decade and attaining carbon neutrality before 2060.

Changyi has also explored other means to boost clean energy supply.

In Xiaying township, a chemical plant overhauled its equipment and harnessed heat from the alkali cooling process to meet winter heating needs in the factory area.

In Longchi township, a 25-MW biomass cogeneration unit was installed, capable of utilizing over half of Changyi's annual farmland straw output.

Additionally, Changyi spearheaded a waste incineration power generation project, processing 220,000 tons of waste annually and supplying 78 million kWh of electricity each year.