At the Central Economic Work Conference held in Beijing this December, accelerating a comprehensive green transition and establishing a number of zero-carbon parks were among the key priorities. So, what exactly is a zero-carbon park?
A zero-carbon park is a specially designed area that achieves carbon neutrality by combining renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies and carbon offset strategies.
The goal is to balance carbon emissions by reducing them and offsetting any remaining ones, ultimately reaching net-zero carbon emissions.
There are three stages of zero-carbon park development: low-carbon park, near-zero-carbon park and zero-carbon park.
Low-carbon park
In low-carbon parks, carbon emissions are reduced by utilizing renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydropower, along with energy-efficient technologies.
However, some emissions persist at this stage.
Near-zero carbon park
These parks aim to cut emissions to almost zero. They employ advanced technologies, such as distributed energy systems, multi-energy supply networks and carbon-reduction measures.
Though emissions are minimal at this stage, small amounts may still need to be offset.
Zero-carbon park
In zero-carbon parks, all emissions are fully neutralized. The parks leverage a mix of energy sources, energy-saving technologies and carbon capture methods.
Strategies such as carbon capture and storage, as well as large-scale environmental restoration, ensure that any residual emissions are offset, resulting in true net-zero carbon emissions.
This progression from low-carbon to zero-carbon parks provides a roadmap for the regions to achieve full zero-carbon status.
For more:
Zero-carbon industrial parks a key to China’s green economic future
(Cover: The Jiangdao Intelligence Cube zero-carbon park in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, east China, December 16, 2024. /CFP)