China's Diplomacy in the New Era  
China's largest port-based BIPV project launches in Guangzhou's Nansha

A 7.3MW BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic) distributed photovoltaic project of Guangzhou South China Oceangate Container Terminal Co., Ltd., has successfully achieved full-capacity grid connection and commenced official operations at the Nansha Port Area recently.

The project, with an operational lifespan of 25 years, is designed to generate an average of 6.8 million kWh of electricity annually, equating to a reduction of 4,338 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. Upon its commissioning, the proportion of clean energy utilized by Guangzhou South China Oceangate Container Terminal Co., Ltd. has increased to over 20%.

The project stands as the largest single-port distributed photovoltaic installation in China, marking a significant leap forward in green energy supply.

To effectively address long-standing water leakage issues in warehouses, the project adopts the BIPV approach, integrating photovoltaic systems seamlessly into building structures. This incorporates advanced structured waterproofing methodologies, utilizing both vertical and horizontal gutters to interconnect photovoltaic modules, transforming the photovoltaic power station into a dual-purpose facility that not only generates electricity but also effectively safeguards against water penetration.

The project is also characterized by its high-tech content, with a seamless integration of construction and scientific research innovation. It explores optimal solutions for distributed photovoltaics in port environments.

Innovative features include the deployment of photovoltaic maintenance robots for unmanned cleaning of the power station and the customized development of an energy efficiency management system, enabling intelligent management of energy consumption and carbon emissions within the port area.

At the opening ceremony, Guangzhou Port Nansha Port Co., Ltd., Guangzhou South China Oceangate Container Terminal Co., Ltd., and Tianjin COSCO Shipping Green and Low-Carbon Development Co., Ltd. signed a cooperation agreement to further expand their distributed photovoltaic projects.

Based on the implementation of this project, Guangzhou Port Group will deepen its partnership with COSCO Shipping (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., leveraging comprehensive decarbonization pathways and measures to promote the construction of green ports.

It is anticipated that by the end of 2024, Guangzhou Port Nansha Port Co., Ltd., and Guangzhou South China Oceangate Container Terminal Co., Ltd., will jointly complete the construction of approximately 20MW of BIPV distributed photovoltaic projects.