China launches first carbon-neutral waterborne green service area
On the banks of the Yangtze River, near the city of Jiangyin, China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) Co. (CHIMBUSCO), a subsidiary of COSCO SHIPPING, has embarked on a pioneering journey by launching the nation’s first “carbon-neutral” waterborne comprehensive service area. This innovative facility transcends being merely a service hub; it embodies a commitment to ecological preservation and serves as a sanctuary for mariners, highlighted a release.
The service area consists of four oil barges, stretching a total of 360 metres, with the capacity to simultaneously refuel five vessels, each weighing more than 10,000 tons. Achieving carbon neutrality, the area is equipped with an extensive high-power photovoltaic power generation system that spans its entirety. Furthermore, the installation of a pollutant recovery mechanism coupled with third-party transfer operations ensures zero pollutant discharge into the river. Innovation extends beyond sustainability metrics—the service area introduces a host of novel offerings, including drone deliveries, complimentary waterborne transportation, an on-water basketball court, as well as dedicated spaces for community services and recreational activities. This holistic approach transforms the service area into a multifaceted hub, making it not only the largest but also the most comprehensive carbon-neutral green facility along the Yangtze River.
China’s first waterborne photovoltaic power generation service area
As per the latest data, this facility now boasts a total installed capacity of 248kWp, thanks to the installation of 420 solar panels spread across approximately 1,100 square metres. This expansive array generates over 300,000 kilowatt-hours annually, effectively satisfying the electricity needs of the service area itself while also extending shore power services to vessels docked within its premises.
The photovoltaic system contributes substantially to carbon footprint reduction, with an annual decrease of 15,700 tons in carbon emissions, alongside reductions of 21 tons in sulphur dioxide and 19 tons in nitrogen oxides. Additionally, it saves around 2,500 tons of standard coal consumption, an achievement akin to planting more than 25,000 trees. Leveraging smart grid technology, the surplus clean energy produced is seamlessly fed into the national grid, thereby supplying eco-friendly electricity to countless households. This not only fosters a cleaner energy landscape but also propels the optimisation of regional energy structures. Consequently, the service area has successfully achieved “carbon neutrality” in its energy consumption.
To further minimise its carbon footprint, the service area has adopted a comprehensive suite of energy-saving and emission-reduction strategies. These initiatives include the implementation of intelligent power management systems, the adoption of LED energy-efficient lighting, the optimisation of appliances for enhanced energy efficiency, and promotion of shore power utilisation. Collectively, these measures contribute to an annual electricity saving of 6,000 kWh, which equates to a reduction of approximately 5.9 tons in carbon emissions, the release added.
Source : Our Correspondent