On July 3, a delegation of 50 teachers and students from Peking University International Summer School visited Beijing Gas Thermal Power Plant to learn about the intelligent gas-fired thermal demonstration achievements. During the visit, they exchanged ideas on China’s “dual-carbon” policy, the energy transition led by CHN Energy, and China Shenhua’s practices and explorations in ESG management and green financing through communication.

The delegation visited key facilities including the exhibition hall, the main control room, and the steam turbine room of the centralized control building, to gain a detailed understanding of Beijing Gas Thermal’s construction, operation, sci-tech innovation, and application of intelligence. Invested wholly by China Shenhua and with a total installed capacity of 950 MW, Beijing Gas Thermal operates a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) unit. Since its official commissioning in August 2015, it has become a pivotal power support and heat source in Beijing, holding the distinction of being the most intelligent, eco-friendly power plant in China. During the visit, teachers and students deeply experienced the cutting-edge sci-tech innovation of Beijing Gas Thermal, the only power company awarded the title of “Beijing Smart Plant”, through on-field observation and face-to-face discussions, gaining an intuitive understanding of its smart manufacturing and operation.

During the face-to-face discussions, the person-in-charge of China Shenhua’s International Business Department introduced the basic information of CHN Energy and China Shenhua. Teachers and students discussed and exchanged views with the staff of China Shenhua and Beijing Gas Thermal on the issues of the “dual-carbon” policy, how to improve the competitiveness of enterprises in the context of energy transition, and how to promote the development of new energy in line with CHN Energy’s integrated operation mode. They also expressed their sincere appreciation for this insightful experience.

Zhang Yi, a PhD candidate of Peking University, remarked, “The most impressive aspects of Beijing Gas Thermal are its safety, environmental friendliness, and intelligence. Seeing a low-emission, low-energy consumption power plant operated efficiently by just over 40 staff is truly incredible”.

Howard Wang from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz), noted that the visit completely challenged his previous perceptions of power plants, and that the advanced equipment and innovative practices are closely connected to China’s rapid sci-tech and social development.

Jointly hosted by Peking University and China Shenhua, and organized by Beijing Gas Power Plant, the event aimed to showcase China’s energy enterprise confidence and strength to the world, while fostering understanding and cooperation among young people from different cultural backgrounds.