第一财经

2026 Carbon Expo Preview: What is Required for a Zero-Carbon Transformation?

原文:2026碳博会前瞻:零碳变革需要什么?

Summary of Key Points

The 2026 Shanghai Carbon Expo is set to be held in June, focusing on the theme of "Zero-Carbon Transformation and Empowering with Essential Technologies," showcasing zero-carbon technologies and achievements. The news highlights two main aspects: firstly, the transformation of Shanghai Lingang's "Zero-Carbon Bay" from a conceptual plan into a national-level zero-carbon park, which utilizes technologies such as "offshore wind and solar power + energy generation, transmission, consumption, and storage" to create a comprehensive zero-carbon system; secondly, the acceleration of China's green technologies (such as wind power), standards, and consulting services in expanding overseas markets. AI is being used to enhance efficiency and develop verifiable zero-carbon methodologies, with the Carbon Expo providing a platform for exchanges and collaborations in these areas.

I. Lingang Zero-Carbon Bay: Shanghai's Model for National-Level Zero-Carbon Parks

Lingang New Area's "Zero-Carbon Bay" is the first and only national-level zero-carbon park in Shanghai (one of the initial 52 in the country), covering an area of 14.3 square kilometers. It has gathered advanced manufacturing industries such as new energy vehicles and integrated circuits. By 2025, there will be 101 enterprises above a certain size, with a production value exceeding 63.9 billion yuan. The current annual energy consumption is 222,000 tons of standard coal, resulting in 513,000 tons of carbon emissions, with electricity accounting for 84.6% of energy usage. The goal is to achieve a zero-carbon benchmark by 2028: 99.34% of the power supply will come from green sources (primarily wind and solar power), natural gas consumption will be reduced by 30%, and carbon emissions per unit of energy consumption will be lowered to 0.199 tons of standard coal.

The technical approach is unique, focusing on a closed-loop system that includes "offshore wind and solar power + energy generation, transmission, consumption, and storage + energy conservation and reduction + resource recycling." For example, virtual power plants are being established to integrate dispersed wind and solar resources for coordinated management, and natural gas is being used as a green alternative. The "Zero-Carbon Island" project in Pengze Mianchuan Town, Jiangxi, has proven the effectiveness of this approach, with 18 wind turbines providing electricity not only for the local population but also exporting 200 million kWh annually.

II. Chinese Wind Power Expanding Globally: Orders Up by Over 80%, AI Makes It Possible

Chinese wind turbine manufacturers are gaining traction in overseas markets. In 2025, new overseas orders for electrical wind power reached 1037.1 megawatts (an 84.8% increase year-on-year), with wins in regions such as Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. Projects in Vietnam and Indonesia have already been commissioned. AI has significantly improved efficiency by automating the review of wind power design documents using large language models (reducing the review time from 10 days to 1 day). This means Chinese companies can offer comprehensive solutions that include wind turbines and intelligent algorithms, not only selling equipment but also providing technical services. Additionally, China has led the development of the first national standard for floating wind power, setting a new industry benchmark.

III. Green Standards Going Global

China's green standards and consulting services are also being exported worldwide. The Shanghai Jianke Consulting Group, as the leading entity of the Yangtze River Delta Green Certification Alliance, has undertaken over 60 foreign aid projects (in Africa, Asia, etc.), more than 20 South-South cooperation projects, and nearly 20 overseas engineering consultations, spanning four continents. Their approach provides a measurable and verifiable zero-carbon methodology, covering everything from planning and design to operational evaluation, including testing and certification services. This means China is sharing its standards as a reference for global zero-carbon initiatives.

IV. The 2026 Carbon Expo: A Super Platform for Zero-Carbon Initiatives

The 2026 Carbon Expo will cover an area of 40,000 square meters with nearly 300 companies participating in three main sections: thematic exhibitions, series of events, and trade matchmaking. It focuses on industry needs and includes four parallel forums on zero-carbon parks, green technology exports, circular economy, and energy transition. The "Green Technology Exports" forum will feature practical sharing sessions (e.g., how companies can expand into overseas markets), cross-sectoral dialogues, and direct business negotiations between buyers and sellers, serving as a bridge for Chinese green enterprises to enter international markets and showcasing China's zero-carbon achievements.

Conclusion

This news highlights the fact that China is not only implementing zero-carbon initiatives domestically (with Lingang Zero-Carbon Bay) but also exporting its mature technologies, standards, and services globally. The Carbon Expo serves as a platform for demonstrating these achievements and promoting collaboration. Zero carbon is no longer just a slogan; there are concrete examples of successful projects, data on international expansion, and replicable methods. It shows that China has made significant progress in the field of zero carbon.