What is a zero-carbon park? From low carbon to net-zero emissions

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)