By love-89.com In a recent interview, we delved into the groundbreaking initiatives underway at the Qingyin Expressway Jinan East Service Area, which has remarkably achieved “zero carbon” operations through a blend of green electricity and smart management practices. This service area has managed to cut carbon emissions by 3,410.1 tons annually, underscoring its commitment to sustainable practices.
During the National Day holiday, we met Mr. Lin, who was driving his electric vehicle from Jinan to Weifang. As he reached the K315 kilometer mark on the Qingyin Expressway, he needed to recharge. Upon entering the Jinan East Service Area, he was struck by its departure from the typical rest stop, which usually prioritizes fueling up and quick snacks. Instead, he discovered a vibrant space filled with lush greenery, beautiful lotus fountains, and artistic water designs.
Officially opened on July 26, 2019, this service area is a vital project for Shandong Highway. This year, during the National Day holiday, it attracted approximately 13,000 vehicles and 44,000 visitors each day. Curious about how the facility operates as a “zero carbon” entity, we spoke with Zhang Li, Party Secretary of the Jinan branch of the Shandong Highway Service Development Group.
One of their main strategies involves a foundational green electricity supply, which saves about 1,200 tons of standard coal annually. Mr. Lin approached a charging station and inquired about the recharge time for a 200-kilometer trip. A staff member confidently replied, “One second per kilometer,” as they pointed to a sign that promised a full charge in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee. Despite a hint of skepticism, Mr. Lin decided to give it a go. He activated the quick charge feature on his phone, took a short break, and was pleasantly surprised to find his car fully charged upon his return.
Spanning an impressive 300 acres with multiple charging stations, the service area consumes around 6,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity daily. Concerned about the energy supply, Mr. Lin learned from Zhang Li that the service area utilizes a renewable energy system, featuring a photovoltaic power station that generates 3.2 megawatts, with daily output exceeding 10,000 kilowatt-hours.
Zhang explained that any surplus electricity is safely fed back into the grid, ensuring the service area remains self-sufficient. Upon observing the site, we noted other low-carbon features, such as double-sided solar panels atop canopies and innovative solar-powered sculptures that harvest energy during the day.
Zhang highlighted the service area’s efficient resource management system, which cleverly reuses wastewater generated from its high visitor volume. The landscaping covers over 33% of the site, with more than 19,000 square meters of greenery, which not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also aids in absorbing greenhouse gases.
The service area employs advanced management technology to monitor and control carbon emissions. Zhang showcased a digital management system that provides real-time data on energy consumption, optimizing operations accordingly. For example, the system automatically adjusts air conditioning settings to save energy during off-peak hours.
With a calculated annual reduction of 3,410.1 tons in carbon emissions, this service area has successfully established its sustainability credentials, achieving certification for carbon neutrality. As Zhou Pengfei, Deputy Director of the Energy and Environment Department at Shandong Highway Group, pointed out, with nearly 4,000 service areas across the nation, the adoption of these zero-carbon strategies could create a substantial impact. Looking ahead, they aim to incorporate ecological designs and resource recycling initiatives to further promote green development in the transportation sector.