In 2005, the concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” was introduced. Over the past two decades, this vision has flourished, particularly in Anji County, Zhejiang Province.
At Caodang Reservoir in Meixi Town, 136,000 solar panels stretch across the water’s surface, with fish thriving below. Since its launch eight years ago, the Anji Caodang Photovoltaic Power Station by State Power Investment Corporation Limited (SPIC) Zhejiang Company has generated 370 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity, and 600,000 kilograms of freshwater fish annually. This dual benefit has increased local fishermen’s incomes by 4 million yuan ($556,876), providing a living illustration of how ecological wealth can be transformed into economic value.
A view of the Anji Caodang Photovoltaic Power Station [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Powering the transition with clean energy
Energy transition is the main battlefield for protecting the ecological environment. Since its restructuring a decade ago, SPIC has pursued green, low-carbon, and high-quality development. By making clean energy the primary driver of capacity expansion, SPIC has built strong momentum for the large-scale and high-quality development of clean energy, injecting green power into the economic transformation.
In the past ten years, the share of clean energy in SPIC’s installed capacity has risen from 38.47 percent in 2015 to 73.08 percent today. Annual power generation has grown from 380.8 billion kWh to 724.4 billion kWh, with clean energy accounting for 58.32 percent. In 2024, SPIC produced 393.6 billion kWh of clean electricity, equivalent in carbon reduction to planting 17 new Saihanba Forests.
Driving growth with innovation
SPIC is opening up new pathways where ecological and economic benefits reinforce each other.
In Inner Mongolia, the Huolinhe Circular Economy Demonstration Project has created China’s first “coal–new energy–power–aluminum” model. By integrating wind, solar, and coal resources, about 30 percent of electrolytic aluminum consumption now comes from green electricity.
On Changxing Island, China’s first 100,000-ton CCUS project has achieved full-process breakthroughs from carbon capture to transport and utilization. By turning carbon dioxide from “waste” into a resource, the project has unlocked new commercial applications and delivered both ecological and economic benefits.
Sharing green benefits with communities
Years ago, Xiahelesi Village in Tiegai Township, Gonghe County, Qinghai Province, was plagued by frequent sandstorms. Today, photovoltaic projects have transformed the landscape, bringing new vitality to the land and new opportunities for local livelihoods.
SPIC is also creating new value through ecological asset development. It has registered China’s first new Certified Voluntary Emission Reduction project and pioneered carbon labeling for agricultural products, helping farmers benefit from green growth while broadening pathways to turn ecological wealth into economic value.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
