China's Ecollogical Shift in 2024 with Sustainable Technologies

In 2024, China's green transformation is being propelled by significant progress in electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy sources, and sustainable logistics practices. The swift acceptance of EVs, along with an increase in solar power generation, is further enhanced by developments in the logistics industry, which are focused on optimizing supply chains for improved environmental efficiency.

China's Ecollogical Shift in 2024 with Sustainable Technologies
In Shenzhen, the shift toward new electric vehicles is becoming more apparent. The Lianhua Hill Supercharging Station has seen a significant infrastructure upgrade, allowing NEV owners to recharge quickly and efficiently. Previously limited to 60 kilowatts, the station now provides up to 600 kilowatts of charging power, enabling 46 vehicles to charge at the same time.

This advancement is part of Shenzhen's larger initiative to enhance its charging infrastructure for NEVs. As of October 2024, electric vehicles make up over a quarter of the city's total vehicle count, with this trend rapidly increasing.

The rise in electric vehicle adoption mirrors a broader national movement. NEV sales across China have surged, with over 9.5 million vehicles sold in 2024 alone—a 41.2 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to the China Passenger Car Association.

The rise of electric vehicles correlates with a significant transformation in China's energy landscape, particularly with solar power playing an essential role in the nation’s sustainability efforts.

As reported by official data, China’s solar power generation has overtaken wind and hydroelectric power to become the second-largest source of power generation in the country, boasting installed capacity of 793 gigawatts by the end of October. Much of this capacity is found in eastern and western regions, where extensive solar farms and distributed systems produce clean energy.

"It is expected that the newly installed capacity of solar power generation will be about 250 million kilowatts in 2024, and the cumulative installed capacity of solar power generation is expected to exceed 850 million kilowatts, accounting for more than a quarter of the total installed capacity in the country," stated Yang Kun, executive vice chairman of China Electricity Council, to the China Media Group.

The rapid expansion of solar power capacity is further bolstered by investments in advanced technologies designed to enhance efficiency and reliability. One notable project is the 1-million-kilowatt integrated solar initiative in Hami, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which combines photovoltaic and solar thermal power generation.

The Hami project, which began operations in December 2024, features the largest "Linear Fresnel" concentrated solar power demonstration in China. Utilizing cutting-edge technology that captures solar energy through reflection and refraction, the project includes 260,000 sun-tracking mirrors that convert solar energy into stored thermal energy, facilitating continuous power generation day and night.

"The combination of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems allows for uninterrupted power generation around the clock, with photovoltaic energy during the day and solar thermal energy at night," explained Niu Jianle, the project manager. This dual system not only ensures stable energy output but also exemplifies the potential of integrating solar power with energy storage solutions.

The advancement of solar thermal technology stabilizes energy output and offers flexible regulation, making it a vital component in replacing traditional energy sources. Presently, over 600 enterprises in China support the solar thermal sector, with the enhancement of domestic equipment fueling large-scale growth in this renewable energy field.

As China enhances its renewable energy capabilities, it is also working towards greening its logistics sector—a significant part of the national economy. This effort includes the adoption of clean energy vehicles, such as hydrogen-powered trucks, and the optimization of supply chains through digital technologies.

The China Green Logistics Development Report released this month by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing outlines several key trends driving the green transformation of the logistics sector. One notable trend is the rise of multimodal transport, which integrates road, rail, and water transport to cut emissions and improve energy efficiency. This approach is pivotal in reducing the carbon footprint of China's logistics sector while ensuring the efficiency of expansive supply chains.

In addition to multimodal transport, the logistics sector is leveraging digital technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things to enhance operations, lower energy consumption, and improve overall efficiency. Alongside these technological advancements, logistics firms in China are adopting recyclable packaging and biodegradable materials to minimize waste and bolster sustainability.

He Liming, the head of CFLP, noted that intelligent warehousing systems and real-time data analytics are crucial in minimizing waste and emissions, leading to more environmentally friendly logistics operations and reshaping how goods are transported, stored, and delivered.

He emphasized the progress in clean energy and intelligent technologies: "In recent years, technologies like hydrogen fuel logistics vehicles and intelligent warehousing systems have made significant strides, creating new pathways for the industry's green shift." He also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote sustainable materials and practices, such as recyclable packaging and biodegradable solutions, which further contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of logistics operations.

Rohan Mehta for TROIB News