Exploring Examples of Zero-Carbon Parks in China and Internationally
What are some instances of zero-carbon parks both in China and internationally?
TroibNews 
Zero-carbon parks represent an innovative approach to fostering green, low-carbon, sustainable, and high-quality development for industrial parks, especially in light of carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.
During the Central Economic Work Conference in December, Chinese leaders highlighted economic priorities for 2025, with a significant emphasis on green transition. Zero-carbon parks are vital in helping China accomplish its "dual carbon" objectives, which include reaching peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
Here are some examples of zero-carbon parks from China and beyond.
In China:
**Xiongan New Area**
Across Xiongan New Area in Hebei Province, several major green initiatives are underway. A notable project is a new energy ecological park that opened in June, featuring an integrated solar photovoltaic system along with ground and air source heat pumps, meeting the zero-carbon building standard. The park is operated through a smart low-carbon management system aimed at decreasing annual carbon emissions by 10,000 tonnes.
**Tianjin Port**
In northern China, Tianjin Port showcases advanced technologies designed to enhance environmental protection. The port has achieved green energy self-sufficiency throughout its operations, harnessing electricity from wind turbines and photovoltaic plants. The establishment of zero-carbon smart wharves underscores the green initiatives at Tianjin Port, where new energy generation systems collectively hold a total installed capacity of 78 megawatts, generating 180 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. In addition, electric charging stations for heavy-duty trucks have been installed.
**CRRC Zero Carbon Industrial Park**
On December 26, the CRRC Zero-Carbon Industrial Park was officially inaugurated in Zhuzhou, located in Hunan Province. Through low-carbon technologies such as waste heat recovery and the integration of solar, energy storage, and charging systems, the park can diminish energy consumption in single-product production by 12 percent. More than 50 percent of the energy utilized is sourced from clean energy, positioning it as one of the premier green manufacturing parks in the nation.
Around the world:
**Masdar City, UAE**
Masdar City in Abu Dhabi exemplifies zero-carbon urban development. The city relies predominantly on renewable energy sources, featuring a 10 MW photovoltaic plant and rooftop solar panels that supply clean electricity. Its buildings incorporate energy-efficient materials and passive cooling systems, leading to a reduction in energy consumption by over 50 percent. An autonomous electric transport system further eliminates vehicle emissions. Additionally, smart grid technology enhances energy distribution and storage while reused treated wastewater helps conserve resources.
**BedZED, UK**
In London, BedZED integrates residential and business spaces within a zero-carbon framework. Solar panels produce renewable electricity, while super-insulated walls and triple-glazed windows help minimize heating and cooling demands. Heat recovery systems further bolster efficiency. The site employs rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling techniques to decrease resource consumption, and the inclusion of electric vehicle charging points promotes sustainable transportation. Buildings are constructed from locally sourced, low-carbon materials, reinforcing sustainability from initial construction through to operation.
Navid Kalantari contributed to this report for TROIB News
During the Central Economic Work Conference in December, Chinese leaders highlighted economic priorities for 2025, with a significant emphasis on green transition. Zero-carbon parks are vital in helping China accomplish its "dual carbon" objectives, which include reaching peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
Here are some examples of zero-carbon parks from China and beyond.
In China:
**Xiongan New Area**
Across Xiongan New Area in Hebei Province, several major green initiatives are underway. A notable project is a new energy ecological park that opened in June, featuring an integrated solar photovoltaic system along with ground and air source heat pumps, meeting the zero-carbon building standard. The park is operated through a smart low-carbon management system aimed at decreasing annual carbon emissions by 10,000 tonnes.
**Tianjin Port**
In northern China, Tianjin Port showcases advanced technologies designed to enhance environmental protection. The port has achieved green energy self-sufficiency throughout its operations, harnessing electricity from wind turbines and photovoltaic plants. The establishment of zero-carbon smart wharves underscores the green initiatives at Tianjin Port, where new energy generation systems collectively hold a total installed capacity of 78 megawatts, generating 180 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. In addition, electric charging stations for heavy-duty trucks have been installed.
**CRRC Zero Carbon Industrial Park**
On December 26, the CRRC Zero-Carbon Industrial Park was officially inaugurated in Zhuzhou, located in Hunan Province. Through low-carbon technologies such as waste heat recovery and the integration of solar, energy storage, and charging systems, the park can diminish energy consumption in single-product production by 12 percent. More than 50 percent of the energy utilized is sourced from clean energy, positioning it as one of the premier green manufacturing parks in the nation.
Around the world:
**Masdar City, UAE**
Masdar City in Abu Dhabi exemplifies zero-carbon urban development. The city relies predominantly on renewable energy sources, featuring a 10 MW photovoltaic plant and rooftop solar panels that supply clean electricity. Its buildings incorporate energy-efficient materials and passive cooling systems, leading to a reduction in energy consumption by over 50 percent. An autonomous electric transport system further eliminates vehicle emissions. Additionally, smart grid technology enhances energy distribution and storage while reused treated wastewater helps conserve resources.
**BedZED, UK**
In London, BedZED integrates residential and business spaces within a zero-carbon framework. Solar panels produce renewable electricity, while super-insulated walls and triple-glazed windows help minimize heating and cooling demands. Heat recovery systems further bolster efficiency. The site employs rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling techniques to decrease resource consumption, and the inclusion of electric vehicle charging points promotes sustainable transportation. Buildings are constructed from locally sourced, low-carbon materials, reinforcing sustainability from initial construction through to operation.
Navid Kalantari contributed to this report for TROIB News
