Navigating a greener future: Explore the smart mobility frontier at China's zero-carbon service areas along the Yellow River

Picture this: you are enjoying a cup of coffee while the hustle and bustle of holiday traffic swirls around you. And voilà! Just as you savor that final delightful sip, your car is fully charged and primed for the next adventure. This is not just an idea – it is happening at the Jinan East and Kunlun service areas in east China's Shandong Province, where innovation meets eco-friendliness.

How does it even work? According to Wang Jian, the deputy general manager at Shandong High Speed Energy Development, the service areas have made significant strides by installing 120 kW DC charging piles equipped with DC-DC modules. This innovative setup allows new energy vehicles to tap into pure green energy. Imagine photovoltaic power flowing directly into these charging stations while energy storage batteries kick in when needed, guaranteeing a 100 percent green charging experience. Each charging pile is also equipped with an advanced detection feature that conducts battery inspections during the charging process. Afterward, users can download detailed inspection reports, enhancing both service capacity and charging safety. It's like having a personal assistant for your vehicle's health, ensuring you hit the road with confidence.

"They implemented a system that defines 'ZERO' in terms of zero emissions as an equation: Z equals emissions minus reductions minus offsets. This approach is quite comprehensive," said Gisela Cernadas, an economist from Argentina who's visiting Jinan East Service Area. During the Labor Day holiday this year, Jinan East received an average of 36,000 passengers and 11,000 vehicles daily, leading the way with its cutting-edge solar power storage and charging monitor system.

Cernadas is fascinated by the integrated photovoltaic-storage-charging-detection-utilization project. During the day, the system captures excess energy generated during peak photovoltaic periods, such as midday when sunlight is abundant. At night, it discharges the stored energy to power charging stations and lighting, effectively prioritizing nighttime needs without relying on grid electricity.

"This highway solar project generates an average of 10,000 kWh daily while only consuming 6,000 kWh, allowing the surplus to power nearby communities," Wang added. "The solar installations help reduce 3,400 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year as part of our efforts to achieve carbon neutrality goals."

The Kunlun Service Area lies a 50-minute ride away, which merges diversity with sustainability. Inaugurated in September 2023, it incorporates various architectural elements to enhance the journey for visitors and travelers alike. The region embodies the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative by highlighting 10 themes that symbolize diverse cultures, with Kunlun featuring a West European design theme.

"The service area feels like a resort park," said Iegor Shyshov, a multilingual host and international influencer. "It's fully green, combining practicality and beauty. People can enjoy their time there while using high technology." Added Shyshov, who has visited Shandong several times.

According to Li Xingyuan, the general manager at Shandong High Speed Energy Development, "the solar power system at Kunlun, with a capacity of 492 kW, showcases how infrastructure can produce energy while helping prevent landslides, benefiting both the environment and the area's energy demands." During Labor Day, when more people were on the move, Kunlun prepared for an average daily traffic flow of 13,400 vehicles and 40,900 passengers, totaling 204,400 visitors.

If charging spaces are in short supply, users can navigate to the nearest service area or toll station using the mini-program. "They have robots that can clean solar panels automatically," Shyshov noted, "and it's self-cleaning and energy-efficient." For foreign visitors, the service areas provide English signage for important warnings and main service facilities.

Furthermore, the energy storage setup can provide power for up to 30 hours, automatically switching to grid power when necessary, ensuring a consistent flow of energy even in harsh conditions.

"China thinks comprehensively: solving energy issues while generating employment, benefiting communities and protecting the environment," Cernadas said. "China's solar panel production and technology transfer are crucial for Latin America. Projects like Argentina's 300 MW Cauchari solar plant (built with Chinese investment) show great potential. I hope China's model can be adopted in more countries." This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum, a key platform for fostering cooperation between China and Latin America and the Caribbean.

In Shandong, eco-friendly service zones shine as beacons of innovation. Solar panels absorb sunlight, powering journeys with sustainable energy, while smart technology creates seamless experiences. Here, travel isn't just a break—it's a glimpse into tomorrow's world. Along the Yellow River, new transportation systems rise. Along the banks of the Yellow River in China, innovative transportation systems emerge, setting out on a path to a brighter and more sustainable future.

(Want to hear more behind-the-scenes stories? CGTN's THE HYPE invites Cernadas, Shyshov and experts at Shandong High Speed Energy Development to share their views on China's zero-carbon service area!)