HANGZHOU 17th August, 2023 (WAM) – Hangzhou, the capital of China's Zhejiang province, is actively preparing to make history by hosting the first carbon-neutral 19th Asian Games from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8.
With the vision of a "Green, Smart, Economical, and Ethical" sporting event, Hangzhou has committed to powering all 65 venues and associated offices with green electricity from March to December this year. Transactions for an impressive 621 million kWh of green electricity, sourced from renewable energies located thousands of miles away and transported via ultra-high voltage grids, have been completed.as reported by the Chinese newspaper People's Daily Online.
Green power for the event is drawn from photovoltaic projects across areas of the ancient Silk Road, including the Qaidam Basin, Jiayuguan city, and the Loess Plateau, along with wind power projects in areas such as Hami city. Zhejiang's local green projects have also contributed, allowing a fusion of national and ancient Silk Road renewable energies to illuminate the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games facilities.
In a striking example of efficiency, a single crystal double-sided PV module in Hainan Tibetan autonomous prefecture can generate 2.2 kWh daily. When transmitted to Hangzhou, this energy can sustain a light bulb at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center gymnasium, the main venue, for an impressive 220 hours.
A green transportation initiative is also underway, with electric vehicles playing a significant role. The State Grid Hangzhou Power Supply Company is advancing the implementation of charging infrastructure in relevant Asian Games areas. Efforts include the creation of China's first high-power wireless charging station for NEVs and multiple charging points at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. Currently, the city boasts 102 charging stations and 2,024 charging piles.
Eco-friendly and sustainable principles extend into the very design of the Asian Games venues. A notable example is a butterfly-shaped structure that houses a natatorium and a gymnasium. This venue uses 210 light tubes to channel natural light indoors, offering an energy-saving and environmentally friendly lighting solution with a significant lifespan and significant electricity savings.
Furthermore, the Fuyang Water Sports Center's roof is an eco-engineering marvel. Covering around 24,000 square meters, it's adorned with green plants like the Carthusian pink and Chinese rose, which enhance the venue's eco-friendliness and offer several environmental benefits.
Hangzhou's efforts align with global pushes for sustainable sporting events, setting a new standard for future Asian Games.