Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island Construction Hits Fast-Forward
At the beginning of the Lunar New Year, although the winter chill still lingers, Changdao convened its “First Meeting of the New Year” as scheduled.
On February 10 to 11, 2025, Changdao held a high-profile ?International Zero-Carbon Island Construction Promotion Conference, sounding the clarion call to accelerate the development of the island into a global zero-carbon exemplar.
This island-style “First Meeting of the New Year” was more like a unique promotion event than a routine progress meeting. Focusing on accelerating the construction of International Zero-Carbon Island, the conference showcased critical projects and high-quality resources awaiting breakthroughs. It invited the heads of renowned enterprises and scientific research institutions to explore business opportunities through site visits, clarify the development path through policy announcements, and deepen collaboration while reaching a consensus, all aiming to jointly contribute to the construction of the Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island.
From Birth to Global Attention
On the morning of February 10, the heads of more than 40 renowned enterprises and scientific research institutions braved the chilly wind, taking cars and then changing to boats to rush to make their way to Changdao.
A reception staff member bluntly said, “I've never received so many enterprises at one time." This vividly demonstrates the appeal and influence of the International Zero-Carbon Island.
So, how exactly was the Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island proposed and how is it being implemented? Wang Yutang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Municipal Government, introduced its establishment background while elaborating on the strategic planning and relevant progress of the Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island.
In recent years, Yantai's economic and social development has been continuously and healthily advancing. In 2023, Yantai successfully joined the Trillion Yuan GDP Club and the city's influence has been constantly increasing. However, to be honest, Yantai's urban visibility and influence are still insufficient. Yantai is neither a provincial capital city nor a sub-provincial city, so the resources it can mobilize are limited. In the new journey of striving for a trillion-yuan GDP, the new challenge ahead is how to break through the encirclement, stand out nationwide, and gain international recognition.
In today’s world, addressing climate change is a universal concern, and green and low-carbon development is the key approach. Especially in recent years, Yantai has been committed to embarking on an international path of green, low-carbon, and high-quality development with Yantai's characteristics.
Against this backdrop, in 2021, based on the overall consideration of Changdao's development orientation and its huge potential, Yantai put forward the strategic goal of building the Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island, which has been included in the municipal government work report for four consecutive years and was incorporated into the provincial government work report this year.
It can be said that the construction of the Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island is an important exploration of carrying out comprehensive pilot projects on island protection and development and an island ecological practice with global significance, which can serve as a model for the zero-carbon and negative-carbon development of inhabited islands.
The construction of the international zero-carbon island is a cutting-edge research field internationally, with no precedents. It is essential to form a high-level professional team for scientific research. In April 2023, Yantai established a scientific research team for the construction of the Changdao Zero-Carbon Island, inviting three academicians and four national-level scientific research institutions as the leading units, and determining eight key research directions. Together, they formulated a development plan and action plan for the Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island.
In August 2023, five research achievements, including the Research on the Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island Development Plan and Action Framework, were unveiled at the ?2023 Green, Low-Carbon, and High-Quality Development Conference.
At the ?United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28) held in Dubai in December 2023, Yantai officially released the Changdao International Zero-carbon Island Development Plan (2023–2035), outlining Changdao's goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. This marked the project’s debut on the global stage.
How can a small-scale zero-carbon island initiative leverage the “big article” of green, low-carbon, and high-quality development? Based on the construction of the Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island, Yantai has set higher goals.
In March 2024, during the Two Sessions of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Yantai proposed the Initiative to Establish the International Zero-Carbon Islands Cooperation Organization, which received great attention from the relevant parties. In April, the President of the Federated States of Micronesia visited Changdao, fully affirmed the green and low-carbon development of Changdao, and clearly expressed his hope to be the first to join the International Zero-Carbon Islands Cooperation Organization.
On November 13, 2024, at the? press conference of the International Zero-Carbon Islands Cooperation Initiative held by China Pavilion at COP29 in Baku, Yantai, representing 32 co-sponsors, launched the International Zero-Carbon Islands Cooperation Initiative to the world. The event showcased China's commitment, Shandong's responsibility, and Yantai's charm on the world stage, attracting more than 300 participants, including one president, two prime ministers, five presidential envoys, ministers, and so on.
Under the meticulous cultivation and unwavering support of the Yantai Municipal Party Committee and Government, the Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island has evolved from its nascent stages into a globally acclaimed ??zero-carbon exemplar?. It now stands as ??a new calling card for Yantai on the global stage?? and ??a landmark opportunity for Changdao.
Boundless Opportunities, Endless Potential
In the Green Microgrid-Powered Desalination Demonstration Project, clean energy sources, such as wind energy and solar energy can be directly utilized for power generation, producing 50 cubic meters of high-quality drinking water for daily life. By adopting the nanofiltration-based salt separation and extraction technology, 100 kilograms of edible salt can be prepared every day, achieving the recycling of seawater resources.
In the planning of low-carbon high-performance polyurethane road construction, we plan to lay a 6-centimeter-thick polyurethane pavement mixture surface layer over the cement-stabilized base layer. Compared with heated asphalt mixtures, the energy consumption per kilometer can be reduced by approximately 28 tons of coal equivalent, and the carbon dioxide (CO?) emissions per kilometer can be cut by 126 tons.
In Sunjia Village of Nanchangshan Island, a seaweed resource conservation model aimed at restoring fishery resources has been developed. Through the application of seaweed bed construction technologies, such as artificial floating rafts and artificial tide pools, from 2020 to 2021, the average carbon sequestration capacity of the local seaweed beds increased by 39.36%.
On the afternoon of February 10, more than a dozen projects and scenarios, including the local new power system project of Changyuan Hotel, the ecological restoration project of seagrass beds and seaweed beds, the construction plan of the zero-carbon port, and the construction of zero-carbon facilities in the new People's Hospital, provided attendees with fresh insights into the progress of the Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island.
“While observing and discussing, we were deeply impressed by both the planning of new energy and the application of low-carbon environmental protection technologies. It has also provided a valuable lesson for our central state-owned enterprise," said Zhao Lidong, General Manager and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of CNNC Shandong Nuclear Energy Co., Ltd., at the energy enterprise symposium on the afternoon of February 10.
Many attendees shared this sentiment. They all proposed that they should find the right combination of their own corporate advantages and the relevant projects of the zero-carbon island to better integrate into the construction of the zero-carbon island.
It can be seen that the development of the International Zero-Carbon Island has unlocked vast opportunities across multiple domains, such as the innovation of zero-carbon scenarios, the construction of the ??Blue Granary (marine economy), the development of green energy, the operation of the island, and the development of high-end tourism products, including scenic spots, homestays, hotels, and leisure sports.
More importantly, the initiative will make Changdao an open window for China to integrate and export the achievements of green and low-carbon development, a demonstration hub for the promotion and application of advanced zero-carbon technologies, and a diplomatic platform for undertaking major international events, thereby leading the green, low-carbon and high-quality development of global islands.
In other words, the initiative is a precious opportunity for enterprises to embrace the international market. Enterprises and scientific research institutions can showcase their development strength, innovation capabilities, and brand charm to the whole country and the world by building demonstration projects and promoting scientific research achievements in Changdao, and thus explore broader domestic and international markets.
Therefore, for all stakeholders, the construction of the Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island presents boundless opportunities and immense potential for growth.
At the energy enterprise symposium held on the afternoon of February 10, Yu Zhenjiang, Member of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Changdao Comprehensive Pilot Zone, delivered a special report on four aspects of the general situation of Changdao, development advantages, energy cooperation projects, and the integration of government and enterprises. More than 20 participating enterprises showed great interest and pledged to jointly explore the opportunities and leverage collaborative efforts to propel clean energy development to a new height.
At yesterday’s conference, a centralized signing ceremony took place. Changdao and relevant enterprises reached a series of strategic cooperation agreements covering key areas, such as the construction of the carbon-inclusive platform, cooperation in the enclave industrial park, the creation of zero-carbon scenarios, the green microgrid-powered desalination demonstration project, the local new power system, and the virtual power plant.
In the near future, the establishment of the International Zero-Carbon Islands Cooperation Organization will unleash unprecedented momentum for global green and low-carbon development. At that time, enterprises can leverage this high-level platform to deepen connections with global green industry resources, “bring in” to share the development opportunities of islands, and “go global” to explore broad international markets, embracing infinite business opportunities while integrating into a domestic and international dual circulation development pattern.
Forward-looking enterprises are already deepening their engagement with the Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island.
“We have established a project team for Changdao. On the one hand, we have completed the upgrading and renovation plan for the local new power system of Changyuan Hotel through on-site exploration. On the other hand, we are promoting the integration of high-quality adjustable resources with island characteristics, such as seawater desalination, electric heating, and sewage treatment in Changdao, into the virtual power plant in Yantai, contributing to the energy digital construction and green development of Changdao,” said Fang Zhengji, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of Dongfang Electronics Group Co., Ltd. Next, He added that relying on the construction of the local new power system in Changyuan Hotel and the digital virtual power plant in Yantai, Changdao will be built into a demonstration benchmark project for the International Zero-Carbon Island.
Focusing on Six Aspects
How is the construction of the International Zero-Carbon Island progressing, and how should efforts be made in the next step? These issues have drawn public attention.
Yu Feng, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Yantai Municipal Committee, Secretary-General, Secretary of the Party Working Committee, and Director of the Administrative Committee of Changdao Comprehensive Pilot Zone, pointed out that Changdao emphasized that Changdao is currently concentrating on its Four Island Development Vision??—Green Island, Beautiful Island, Safe Island, and Happy Island—to synergize efforts in carbon reduction, pollution control, ecological restoration, and economic growth, aiming to create a global model for the island conservation and development.
Guided by deepening cooperation with global island nations, we will seek to establish a high-level zero-carbon open platform that embodies China’s vision and gathers global consensus. We strive to establish the ??world’s first zero-carbon island-based international organization with Changdao as the founding site. This platform will serve as a ??new business card and a new model for local areas to support China's major-country diplomacy??, showcasing China’s charm and Shandong’s commitment on the global stage.
Guided by the comprehensive development of the Miaodao Islands, we will create a zero-carbon tourism resort with magnificent scenery and high quality. In terms of all-region tourism, we adhere to subtracting the scale of reception, adding high-end supply, and multiplying comprehensive quality, and comprehensively promote the upgrading of all-region tourism. In particular, the comprehensive development project of the Miaodao Islands should be built into a link to carry forward China's excellent traditional culture, promote folk cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait, and become a landmark project of high-end tourism on islands in northern China. In terms of zero-carbon scenarios, we plan to create six major zero-carbon systems, including zero-carbon transportation and zero-carbon people's livelihood. In the next step, we will cooperate with relevant enterprises to plan and construct projects, such as polyurethane pavement, virtual power plants, and green micro-electric seawater desalination, promote six photovoltaic technology application scenarios, and create three landmark zero-carbon projects and about ten zero-carbon scenarios.
Led by the first marine economic development zone in China, we will build a demonstration model of a zero-carbon fishery with a complete chain and high ecological efficiency. Relying on the “Blue Granary” Marine Economic Development Zone, Changdao has made practical efforts to industrial cultivation and made a successful breakthrough in the nation's first salmon land-sea relay aquaculture model, with 10-12 summer-adapted salmon cage underway, and the first one already under construction. It is necessary to focus on the infrastructure construction of the park, innovatively carry out the construction of standard sea areas, and complete the marine baseline survey of the first phase of 10,667 hectares. It is also essential to explore and create a demonstration benchmark sea area to form a sample of comprehensive three-dimensional marine development. It is important to emphasize management and operation, complete the park planning, and the establishment of the administrative committee. Industrial funds with an initial scale of RMB 1 billion and investment companies with a registered capital of RMB 251 million have been set up. Rural revitalization is also important and we need to build the industrial park of the township in the marine ranch and the factory of the township in large cages.
Taking the development and application of clean energy as the lead, we will build a zero-carbon energy hub characterized by diverse, complementary, secure, and resilient systems. The Yantai Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government have granted Changdao the special policy of investing in the city's clean energy projects. It is necessary to seize the policy opportunity and construct a park within a park of Yantai Clean Energy Industrial Park in the Changdao Enclave Industrial Park, gathering enterprises and institutions in clean energy investment and development, scientific and technological innovation, equipment design, ancillary services, functional institutions, and industry associations. We have also built zero-carbon energy supply systems on the island, implemented the source-grid-load-storage synergistic integration project, and promoted offshore wind power, distributed offshore photovoltaic, wave energy, tidal energy and other marine energy integration application demonstration projects.
Guided by the Party Building + Property Management on the Island model, we will create a zero-carbon governance happy home characterized by harmonious and effective governance through shared participation and benefits. By systematically integrating public utility expenditures, it has introduced strong and experienced central state-owned enterprises and professional teams for high-standard planning, management, and operation. Moving forward, with the support of Property Management on the Island, we will further drive holistic island-wide operations and continuously improve public services and social governance to ensure that the fruits of conservation and development benefit island residents more equitably and extensively.
Taking the lead in making blue carbon resources active and the blue carbon atmosphere excellent, we will create a vibrant, modern and civilized zero-carbon society. We have deepened zero-carbon research and carried out a full range of original research in collaboration with the National Climate Strategy Center and other national scientific research institutions, and some of the achievements are at the international forefront. To strengthen the zero-carbon economy, we are exploring the introduction of green hydrogen, energy islands, carbon sequestration in seaweed beds and other new technologies and new forms of business, and orderly promoting the trading of carbon sinks, so as to turn resources into assets and assets into capital. We advocate for zero-carbon living and promote the lifestyle into social practice as a prevailing trend.
The conference has successfully concluded, but the practical work has just begun. Standing at a new starting point, with a clearer direction and stronger momentum, the beautiful vision of the construction of the Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island will surely be realized as scheduled.
