A TOTAL of 129 near-zero carbon projects in Futian District started construction recently as the commencement ceremony for the projects in anticipation of the 33rd National Energy Conservation Week was held at an intelligent parking lot in the district.

Futian District is leading the way in creating a national benchmark for “near-zero carbon” cities. The district is prioritizing energy efficiency transformations across public institutions, including schools, hospitals and government departments. Futian District is committed to contributing to the “dual carbon” goals through actively participating in energy-saving initiatives and ecological development, Shenzhen Evening News reported.

The “dual carbon” goals refer to China’s two climate goals of reaching peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.

The parking lot where the launch ceremony was held showcased the transformation of a regular outdoor parking lot to a technologically advanced “intelligent, flexible and renewable” facility. Through upgrades, it now boasts 2,500-square-meter photovoltaic ceilings. Its annual estimated power generation is expected to reach 520,000 kWh. Equipped with super-fast charging poles, the parking lot provides users with solar power-generated green electricity. Electric vehicles can be fully recharged within five minutes, enabling a range of 200 kilometers on a single charge.

Futian’s near-zero carbon initiative among its public institutions exemplifies Shenzhen’s “dual carbon” commitment, the News report said. As one of China’s pioneering low-carbon cities, Shenzhen has been exploring various approaches to walk its customized energy conservation path. Public institutions have taken the lead in implementing the “dual carbon” strategy.

Notably, by the end of 2022, 415 government agencies had been designated as energy-saving institutions, accounting for 90% of all Party and government agencies in the city and nearly one-sixth of the national total. The number and overall level of construction of various demonstration units are among the top in China.

(Yu Meixi, Chen Siqi)