Energy

China’s pursuit to phase out fossil fuel-powered energy took another step forward, this time with what is being described as the world’s largest high-altitude wind farm. Set 4 650 metres above sea level in the frozen town of Nagqu on the Tibetan Plateau, the 25-turbine facility produces enough clean electricity to power over half a…

Test runs for the world’s largest coal-to-ethanol conversion plant have commenced. Chinese authorities have announced that the site has a reported output of an estimated 600 000 tonnes per year, making it the only industrial-level facility of its kind. Ethanol is traditionally synthesised from agricultural crops like corn, sugar and cassava but the new plant,…

After hinting at its release for several months, technology firm Xiaomi, has recently unveiled its first electric vehicle. The smartphone and gadget behemoth takes on the likes of Tesla and fellow Chinese automotive giant, BYD, in what is becoming an increasingly congested market with its sporty ‘SU7’ sedan. Revealed in the last week of 2023,…

A Hong Kong-based biotechnology start-up has reportedly developed a liquid microalgae air purifier capable of absorbing harmful greenhouse gases from the surrounding atmosphere. Founded by a group of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology graduates, AIGreen was established in 2021 when the young researchers discovered an algae variety with carbon capture and storage properties…

LONGi Green Energy Technology Company has set a new record with its state-of-the-art silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells, achieving an efficiency rate of 33.9 per cent. The breakthrough was independently verified by the United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in early November 2023, according to a press release by the Xi’an-based photovoltaics firm. LONGi edged…

In a remarkable feat of ingenuity, Chinese scientists have found a way to transform contaminated wastewater into valuable semiconductor materials. Researchers are hopeful the novel, environmentally friendly production method could boost innovation in China’s chip manufacturing sector. Semiconductors and microchips play a vital role in the functioning of modern society and can be found in everything…

Chinese renewables giant, Ming Yang Energy Group, continues to push the limits of what’s possible in the offshore wind industry, this time announcing plans to build a world-record 22-megawatt turbine with Eiffel-Tower-sized blades. The engineering and design team expects to complete early prototype models within two years, according to Ming Yang insiders. Companies like Ming…

Chinese artificial intelligence start-up, Haomo.ai, has announced it has created an affordable autonomous driving assistance system that it claims is cheaper and better than the products offered by its competitors. The Beijing-based company revealed three new ‘L2’ autonomous systems, which it has made available to motor vehicle companies starting from $411 per unit. Each ‘Hpilot’…

In a national first, scientists from Hong Kong’s largest shipping fuel supplier claim to have synthesized an environmentally friendly biofuel for use in marine cargo vessels. The newly developed propellant has a significantly lower carbon footprint than the standard heavy fuel oil, or bunker fuel, found in most commercial freight shipping, according to a senior…

Chinese researchers and engineers have developed a new method that accurately detects oil and gas reservoirs underground. The novel technique reportedly resulted in daily extraction figures five times higher than methods traditionally employed by mining firms. The experiment, conducted in the remote Tarim Basin, Southern Xinjiang, was done by China Academy of Sciences researchers, Di…

Chinese scientists claim to have developed a “2D” semiconductor material, as thin as a single atom, that promises to revolutionise the industry. As electronic devices become smaller and smaller, the need for equally diminutive components has increased. The wafer’s creators are hopeful the new material will solve this dilemma. Reportedly measuring 30.5 centimetres in length,…

South Africa is close to securing a deal that would see it receive 66-gigawatts worth of solar panel components from trade partner China. The deal is expected to be finalised at the 15th annual BRICS summit, when representatives from Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa meet in Johannesburg, said electricity minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. The…

Automotive giant, Volkswagen, has tapped Chinese start-up, Xpeng, to jointly develop new energy vehicles. The Wolfsburg-based car manufacturer would invest $700 million to purchase a 4.99 per cent stake in the company and an observer’s seat on the board, according to a LinkedIn post by Volkswagen China chief executive, Ralf Brandsatter. Both companies have outlined…

The world’s most powerful wind turbine is officially operational and grid-connected. Situated offshore in the Taiwan Strait and standing over 150 metres from base to blade hub, the 16-megawatt unit is reportedly capable of generating enough clean electricity to power tens of thousands of Chinese homes. Jointly developed by two Goldwind Science and Technology and…

Chinese physicists have completed the first and most crucial step towards what they claim will be the world’s first commercial onshore modular reactor. Because it is mobile, the core for the ‘Linglong One’ nuclear reactor, built by China First Heavy Industries, is an ideal candidate for small islands and other remote locations. The breakthrough marks…

Chinese engineers have created “supersized” cast parts that have the potential to cut production costs and assembly times in lightweight electric vehicles (EVs) significantly. Much like Tesla’s “gigacasting” technology, the process involves casting two roughly 2.2-square-metre magnesium alloy parts from a single mould – the car’s chassis and the battery box housing cover. Magnesium alloys…

A group of researchers from China claims to have set a new energy density record when they developed a battery pack with a reported capacity of 711 watt-hours per kilogram – roughly three times more than the Tesla Model 3 ‘4680’ cell. Concerns about battery capacity in electric vehicles (EVs) have been one of the…

Chinese automotive heavyweight, Guangzhou Automotive Corporation (GAC), has revealed what it says is the world’s first internal combustion engine for passenger vehicles powered almost exclusively on ammonia. Unveiled at the company’s annual technology showcase in Beijing, the environmentally friendly, two-litre, 161-horsepower motor produces 90 per cent fewer harmful emissions than gasoline and diesel engines. While…

Chinese officials have approved the country’s first thorium-based nuclear reactor at the Hongshagang Industrial Cluster in Wuwei City. The experimental reactor could open the door to a cheap and safe alternative to uranium-based nuclear energy in the future, according to those close to the project. Located in the far reaches of China’s north-western Gobi Desert,…

Chinese engineers have unveiled the world’s most powerful hydrogen-powered locomotive as the country seeks to decarbonise its freight and passenger rail network. Developed and assembled by the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) in Datong, Shanxi Province, “Ningdong” is powered by hydrogen energy and can operate non-stop for nearly 190 hours before needing to refuel.…

Chinese scientists have created a floating hydrogen farm that harnesses both the power of the winds and the seas to convert seawater into clean hydrogen gas, without the need for the often energy-intensive desalination process typical in the industry. The offshore platform, dubbed ‘Dongfu Number One’ by its creators, completed a successful 10-day continuous operation…

A group of scientists has developed highly-elastic silicon solar cells that fold like paper. The thin and flexible solar-powered material can be used in areas ranging from aerospace to electronic wearables, according to the Chinese-based research team. Silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells account for an estimated 95 per cent of the market and have been used…

China’s first deep-sea offshore floating wind turbine is ready to go live. The gigantic wind-powered platform was developed by the state-owned energy firm, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and is expected to produce 22 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity every year. The 11 thousand-ton turbine, called Haiyou Guanlan or CNOOC Guanlan, was installed 137…

Chinese battery giant, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL), has developed a battery so powerful it has the potential to power aircraft. The company unveiled the 500 watt-hours per kilogram semi-solid state battery at the annual Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition – colloquially referred to as Auto Shanghai – on the 19th of April. Research into…

Chinese engineers recently revealed their “artificial sun” fusion reactor broke yet another one of its records, this time sustaining plasma for 403 seconds. The milestone brings humanity a step closer to realising the near-unlimited potential of nuclear fusion energy. In April, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) surpassed its previous mark of 103 seconds set…

Chinese electric vehicle battery technology firm, NaaS Technology, has unveiled its new self-driving battery-charging robot. The diminutive orange and white machine sports several unique design features, including active vehicle locator technology, smart charging and a convenient automatic payment function designed to cater to the increasing demand for mobile, fast-charging solutions. The Zheijing-based company is one…

Zimbabwean authorities are considering a proposal made by the China Energy Engineering Corporation (China Energy) for a 1 000-megawatt floating solar farm on the southern African country’s largest water body, Lake Kariba. The nearly $1 billion project would ease the immense pressure on Zimbabwe’s energy grid which currently fails to meet even 50% of the…

Chinese engineers have announced they are nearing completion of the landmark Maerdang Dam hydroelectric project on the upper Yellow River. Built at an elevation of 5 000 metres above sea level in the rocky mountains of Maqên County, the 2.2 million kilowatt hydropower facility is expected to begin operating early next year. The Maerdang hydropower…

China has just delivered the MSC Tessa container ship to the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The colossal 400-metre vessel was independently designed by shipwright, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, and the company says it is the now largest container ship in the world, at an estimated capacity of 24 116 containers. The impressive boxship was ordered by the…

A team of Chinese scientists has developed a new method to recover and recycle salvageable materials from discarded solar panels. The novel technique uses a chemical compound known as dibasic ester to separate individual components from one another, without damaging and breaking the desired solar cells. In March 2023, the China Academy of Sciences-based research…

Chinese telecommunications firm, Xiaomi, will make its debut in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) market in the first half of 2024. Xiaomi is one of several smartphone manufacturers that have expressed interest in the fast-growing industry, amid stiff competition from a plethora of domestic players in the field. Company CEO and one-half of the founding…

Chinese automotive firm, BYD, will supply the Zimbabwean government with 18 electric vehicles (EVs). The country seeks to showcase green energy as the world gradually phases out the production of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Zimbabwe’s Central Mechanical Equipment Department (CMED) is also enquiring about the purchase of electric buses for use in the…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) unicorn and Tesla rival, Xpeng, unveiled its new flagship models to several northern European countries, as it makes a pronounced international push in 2023. The Guangzhou-based startup launched its luxury P7 sedan and G9 sports utility vehicle (SUV) in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands in early February, according to the…

China has what it claims is the world’s only hydrogen-powered train for urban environments. The eco-friendly carriages rolled off the line on the 18th of January 2023 in the country’s southwestern city of Chengdu, Sichuan province, with an estimated top speed of 160 kilometres per hour, according to a recent report by Chinese state media.…

A Chinese automotive joint venture between three of the country’s most successful brands is gearing up to launch an all-wheel-drive mini electric SUV set to disrupt the global compact SUV market. Developed by SAIC-GM-Wuling, the KiWi mini EV SUV, the compact off-roader, enters the relatively new market segment fresh off the heels of its predecessor,…

Beijing-based TikTok owner ByteDance’s artificial intelligence startup, Haomo.AI, has unveiled a new infrastructure platform to supercharge China’s burgeoning autonomous driving industry. Jointly developed by fellow ByteDance cloud services subsidiary, Volcano Engine, the data centre Mana Oasis is the largest computer complex dedicated to autonomous driving, with an estimated computing power of 670 petaflops. Haomo.AI was…

Chinese officials claim to have installed the world’s first operational “natural-direct cooling” (NDC) system for a power plant in the country’s north-central province of Shaanxi. Hailed as a milestone achievement for the industry, the novel cooling method could prevent as many as 54 000 tons of harmful carbon emissions from leaching into the atmosphere yearly.…

Chemical engineers from China have constructed a unique mechanical instrument that splits seawater and isolates pure hydrogen. Typical hydrogen production methods utilise fossil fuels, emitting significant amounts of greenhouse gases during the process. Hydrogen fuel can be produced from renewable resources, like seawater, and once isolated in its natural state, is one of the greenest…

Chinese engineers have unveiled a massive 16-megawatt wind turbine, powerful enough to generate and deliver clean electricity to more than 36 000 households yearly. Jointly developed by two of the country’s most prominent industry players, the turbine’s developers claimed it is the largest ever built and that it affirms China’s position as a leader in…

A team of Chinese researchers claim to have designed a kinetically-powered watch-type sensor capable of monitoring a cow’s movement, diet, oxygen levels, milk production, diseases and reproductive cycles. Working out of Southwest Jiaotong University, the scientists are hopeful their creation will positively impact food security and the overall efficiency of the supply chain. Wearables have…

The dream of limitless fusion energy is one step closer to being realised. Chinese scientists claim to have developed the first heat-resistant panels engineered for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). Officially the world’s largest fusion reactor, ITER is a global collaborative project involving several countries, including the UK, EU member states, India, Russia, Japan…

A team of scientists from Shanghai’s Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics has developed a novel method to generate a ‘laser-like light’ with the potential to boost the communication speeds of everyday electronics. This includes smartphones and barcode scanners, as well as high-precision tools, like laser scalpels. Lasers form when energy, like electricity or light,…

A team of Chinese scientists has developed what it says is the world’s first malleable ceramic material. It can reportedly bend like a metal but has retained the hardness synonymous with ceramics. The breakthrough textile could see use in several major industries, including aviation, motoring, medicine and renewable energy. Ceramics possess several qualities that make…

In what may be a scientific first, Chinese aerospace experts claim to have developed the world’s first kerosene-burning Mach 9 jet engine. The Chinese Academy of Sciences spent months fine-tuning the oblique detonation engine at the state-of-the-art JF-12 wind tunnel in Beijing, before publishing their findings in late November. Hypersonic travel – along with semiconductors,…

As the world’s automotive players continue to ramp up electric vehicle (EV) production, Africa is ideally placed to take profit from it. EV manufacturers are scrambling to access rich deposits of lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum, all essential to the development of zero-emission cars. China, the world’s top EV manufacturer, remains relatively unchallenged in…

Chinese automobile giant, BYD, is launching a luxury car brand in 2023 and is starting with the Yangwang SUV. Intending to compete with fellow luxury off-roaders like the Mercedes Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender, prices for the all-electric and plug-in hybrid SUV will begin at roughly $110 000, making it BYD’s most expensive vehicle…

In a windfall for the South African mining sector, the demand for the country’s vast platinum reserves will rise sharply as China ramps up its production of fuel cell energy vehicles (FCEVs). The precious metal is vital to the manufacturing process of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells. Platinum is a dense, unreactive, precious metal found in…

A supertanker has grabbed news headlines over a design feature not seen on commercial vessels for almost a century: sails. The Chinese Merchant Energy Shipping Company (CMES) took delivery of the mega-ship in late September, with early reports indicating the cargo vessel uses nearly 10% less fuel, thanks to its four massive 40-metre (130-feet) sails.…

Continuing its focus on new green infrastructure, Chinese officials have unveiled their latest megaproject, a record-breaking 43.3 gigawatt wind farm in Chaozhou, Guangdong province. The ambitious undertaking forms part of the government’s five-year plan for the region and is expected to generate enough clean energy to power up to 15 million homes. Chinese president, Xi…

Chinese automotive manufacturer, Xpeng, has just debuted its latest creation in Dubai: a flying car. The AeroHT X2, the two-seater, vertical take-off creation is Xpeng’s vision for the future of personal and public transport. The X2 is classified as an electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) and is in Dubai as part of the…

Car rental firm, Sixt, is discussing the purchase of 100 000 electric vehicles (EVs) from Chinese car firm BYD. The news comes off the heels of BYD’s European expansion. Sixt joins a slew of car hire companies looking to electrify their fleets by the end of the decade. Sixt, a German-based mobility service provider which…

China’s increasingly more cost-effective wind turbines have the potential to open up new markets. According to an S&P Global report published in late September, China’s ability to consistently manufacture and sell turbines below the European and US market average makes expansion into the often energy-deprived regions of Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East…

A group of Chinese scientists claims to have found a method to significantly cut the cost of commercial hypersonic travel. First picked up by the South China Morning Post, researchers claim an air-breathing engine, fuelled by a mixture of ethylene and ultra-fine coal powder, can create explosive shock waves that travel six times faster than…

The first road test for magnetic levitation (maglev) vehicles has been conducted by engineers representing China’s Southwest Jiaotong University. First reported by the state-run news agency, Xinhua Daily, the university research unit raised a near 2.8-tonne sedan 25 millimetres off the ground and propelled the vehicle down a test track by way of electromagnets. China…

A Chinese research team claims to have developed nanogenerators capable of harvesting power from the ocean’s waves via static electricity. Harnessing energy from waves is not an entirely novel concept. In fact, scientists have toyed with the notion for centuries. In 1799, a Parisian engineer called Girard filed what most scholars believe to be the…

A lab in China’s southern city of Hefei recently announced the launch of the world’s most powerful magnet. Only 33 millimetres in diameter, the modestly sized object is a million times more powerful than the Earth’s core, and strong enough to lift an aircraft carrier. The project’s results come after making a significant “technical breakthrough”,…

A team of Chinese scientists say they have created a magnetic levitation (maglev) line that can keep train carriages suspended in mid-air, even when the power goes out. The 800-metre prototype ‘Red Rail’ line is situated in Xingguo country, north of Guangzhou. The experimental maglev line possesses its remarkable sticking power thanks to powerful magnets…

After years of research and development, Chinese internet giant, Baidu, has launched its self-driving robotaxi services to the public. The citizens of Wuhan and Chongqing will be the prospective customers for the autonomous ride-sharing business, according to a press release issued in early August 2022. The Beijing-based tech firm launched its Apollo autonomous driving platform…

A group of Chinese companies has collaborated to develop and manufacture what is the country’s first solar-electric vehicle (SEV). The Tianjin solar car turned heads when it was unveiled during the sixth annual World Intelligence Conference on the Chinese mainland. The prototype was built in only five months and is the product of a substantial…

Cape Town-based mobility firm, GoMetro, has assembled a group of companies and research agencies to test electric minibus taxis in the Western Cape town of Stellenbosch. The news comes as surging fuel prices and emissions targets are forcing many of the world’s governments to move away from fossil fuels and internal combustion engines (ICEs) in…

A Chinese renewables firm has installed a massive solar plant above a fishery in Cangzhou, Heibei Province. The development comes during a period where numerous farmers worldwide are scrambling to incorporate green solar and wind infrastructure into their businesses. Concord New Energy, a renewables company that specialises in solar and wind installations, constructed a 70…

Chinese researchers have successfully tested an ultra-lightweight, unmanned hypersonic airliner prototype. Dubbed the Nanqiang No. 1, the one-of-a-kind technology demonstrator was tested in a specialised laboratory, recording speeds nearing Mach 6. Engineers working close to the Nanqiang project told Chinese state media that a prototype could be airborne as soon as 2025. Indeed, a great…

Bikita lithium mine in Zimbabwe will receive a mammoth $200 million investment after Chinese mining firm, Sinomine Resource Group, announced it plans to construct a complex capable of producing millions of tons of lithium ore per annum. Realising the strategic importance of the element in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Zimbabwean officials are making moves…

China’s relentless drive to find fossil fuel alternatives continues. This time with the report that the world’s second-largest economy would construct a massive nuclear-powered steam plant in Lianyungang City. Early estimates suggest that the facility could prevent thousands of tons of coal from being burnt and releasing harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The project…

A tender to build several massive solar farms at sea has been issued by Shandong province. A critical industrial hub for China, Shandong’s latest renewables project promises to generate roughly 11.25 gigawatts of power. This is enough electricity to cover New Zealand’s peak energy consumption requirements. Already home to more solar panels than anywhere else…

The Chinese-made Wuling Hongguang Mini EV continues to dominate domestic electric vehicle sales, despite the diminutive vehicle being just two years into its release cycle. Industry experts believe the little car’s remarkable staying power is likely because of its incredibly modest price tag. At just $5 000, the Wuling Mini EV costs about as much…

Chinese engineers are using AI and 3D printing to build a megadam in only two years. Upon completion, the 590 foot (180m) tall Yangqu Dam will provide much needed energy to the region and will be the single largest object created using 3D printing, dwarfing the previous record holder by 570 foot. High on the…

Researchers from several prominent Chinese institutions have reportedly charged a lithium-ion battery to 60% capacity in roughly five minutes. While the feat may seem inconsequential, slow recharge times and range anxiety in electric vehicles have long been recognised as primary factors for consumers not transitioning to the greener alternative. A survey by automotive blog, EV…

One of China’s largest automotive brands, BYD, has discontinued manufacturing vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE). The last petrol and diesel-powered motor vehicles had rolled off factory assembly lines in March, announced a recent statement released by the Shenzhen-based firm. Instead, BYD is directing most of its research and development towards greener power units like…

After years of delays and pre-feasibility tests, Kenyan officials have selected two sites for the East African nation’s first nuclear energy production facilities. The project will be run in partnership with China’s National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). Kenya’s Nuclear Power and Energy Authority (NuPEA), scheduled to break ground at the end of the decade, will add…

One of China’s largest car manufacturers and Volvo parent company, Geely, has announced plans to install battery swapping stations specifically for long-haul and heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs). Battery swapping services have been popularised in China for passenger vehicles as more drivers transition to electric alternatives. However, often larger vehicles aren’t catered for as typical swap…

Chinese engineers have successfully completed a pilot project that converts carbon dioxide into fuel. The only facility of its kind, researchers say the breakthrough method could alleviate some of the damage being done to the planet’s atmosphere by harmful greenhouse gases. Developed by Zhuhai Futian Energy Technology and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP), the…

A team of researchers in Hefei, China, have developed what they claim is the strongest pure form of tungsten. The super-strong material has a tensile strength greater than most alloys, making it a prime candidate for many demanding projects, including nuclear reactors, aircraft, satellites and heavy machinery. Tungsten (or ‘wolfram’), represented by the letter W…

China has announced plans to install 450GW of renewable power in the Gobi Desert. The nation’s planning committee said the massive project would combine both solar and wind facilities and would dwarf similar operations in the region. The announcement comes as Beijing continues to implement measures to end its reliance on fossil fuels and become…

One of China’s largest motoring firms, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, has delivered fifty electric vehicles (EVs) powered by the firm’s solid-state battery, for demonstration. Often referred to as the ‘Holy Grail’ of EV technologies, solid-state batteries are significantly more efficient than traditional liquid-electrolyte power units. The EV, Dongfeng’s E70 model, is the first to house the…

Chinese-based electric vehicle (EV) battery firm, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), has launched a battery swapping service. The world’s largest producer of EV batteries says it will allow EV users to swap out batteries in a minute, hopefully alleviating much of the “range-anxiety” experienced by prospective EV owners who might still be sitting on the fence.…

A team of Chinese scientists has developed a little-known method to increase the yields of certain crops using electricity. Working out of Beijing’s Chinese Academy of Sciences, the researchers found that pea yields were increased by almost 20% when a rain- and wind-powered triboelectric nanogenerator was among the plants. While it may sound outlandish at…

China’s “artificial sun” continues to shatter records. This time, the hyper-expensive fusion reactor recorded temperatures five times greater than the surface of the sun. Scientists are hopeful the feat may be the next step to unlocking unlimited power – the holy grail of clean energy. Secured in Hefei, China, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST)…

Chinese engineers are confident their first floating nuclear reactor is sturdy enough to withstand gale force winds. The offshore reactor, located in the Bohai Sea, is used to power ocean-based oil rigs and is reportedly capable of toughing out “once in 10 000-year” storms. The novel 60GW (gigawatt) reactor was subjected to powerful winds and currents…

In the final days of 2021, Zeekr, the Geely-owned manufacturer announced it had teamed up with Waymo, one of the United States’ largest self-driving tech companies, to create a fleet of driverless ‘robotaxis’. Zeekr, the year-old electric vehicle (EV) startup, has created a significant disturbance in the industry. According to a recent Waymo blog post,…

A team of Chinese researchers has developed an ultra-absorbent material capable of extracting uranium from seawater. Inspired by the blood vessels inside our anatomy, the group’s new method is reportedly 20 times more efficient than previous techniques. Uranium extraction processes on land involve traditional practices like in-situ leaching and underground or open-pit mining. However, according…

A team of Chinese researchers has developed a new self-supporting, 3D electrode that reduces overpotential, taking another step towards large-scale green hydrogen production. Hydrogen energy development is keenly pursued by the world’s top minds as it is considered one of the least environmentally impactful energy sources available. Green hydrogen, already an attractive energy source because…

Global automotive giant Toyota has tapped Chinese firm BYD to build an affordable electric vehicle for the Chinese market. First reported in early December, the move is seen as an effort by the Japanese automobile company to fast-track its EV ambitions. Toyota, which enjoys a significant 8.8% ownership of the global automobile market, has a…

A team of Chinese scientists has achieved a breakthrough in the field of nuclear energy. Working out of a massive specialised facility in Shanghai, the research team has been trying to simulate how the sun creates energy. If successful, the scientists believe they could have a source of sustainable, infinite energy. Lead scientist, Zhang Zhe,…

Farizon Auto, a subsidiary of Chinese automotive titan Geely, recently unveiled a new electric semi-truck. The commercial vehicle, still in its concept phase, is expected to make its debut on public roads by 2024, according to company insiders. Named the Homtruck, Geely’s latest EV project derived its name from the developer’s design motivation to create…

A Chinese electric vehicle (EV) start-up has revealed images of its brand new all-electric pickup truck, the EF1-T. Developed by EdisonFuture, the futuristic EV features a retractable solar roof allowing for on-the-move charging. In a press statement, EdisonFuture, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based SPI Energy, said the EF1-T’s sloping, retractable roof configuration incorporated “solar mosaic…

Chinese scientists have developed a method to create animal feed from carbon monoxide. The breakthrough could ease China’s reliance on vast amounts of imported soya beans to feed its enormous livestock population. The Feed Research Institute of China’s Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) said it developed a method to hasten a gas fermentation process that…

HT Aero, a Guangzhou-based startup backed by Chinese tech unicorn, Xpeng, has secured $500 million to build flying cars, with a potential eye on a 2024 commercial launch date. The round of funding is the single-largest in Asia’s relatively new low-flying vehicle sector to date, according to Business Wire. The Series A funding was led by…

China is closer than expected to a clean energy transition. In a few years, the majority of China’s solar energy will be cheaper than coal. According to a report issued jointly by Harvard, Tsinghua, Renmin and Nankai Universities, China, the planet’s chief emitter, is on track to achieve the remarkable feat by 2023. In a…

A group of Chinese researchers have managed to synthesise starch from carbon dioxide, more efficiently than nature. Scientists hope that creating the highly versatile material in industrial laboratories will save land and water, lessening the burden on traditional agriculture. Researchers at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, an affiliate of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,…

Continuing its swift transition to greener energy sources, China is preparing to test a new thorium-powered nuclear plant. Thorium is viewed by the scientific community as more efficient and cleaner fuel than traditional materials. The news comes in the same week Chinese president, Xi Jinping, announced China would cease building coal-fired plants overseas. Situated on…

China has announced plans to ramp up its hydro-pumped storage capacity by as much as 400% to bolster the nation’s fast-growing solar and wind power facilities. A 2021-2035 development plan issued by China’s National Energy Administration outlines ambitions to increase China’s pumped hydro capacity, currently around 32 GW, to 62 GW by 2025 and 120 GW…

In September, Xiaomi announced the registration of its electric vehicle (EV) company, Xiaomi EV Inc. The Chinese electronics manufacturer will enter the market with $1.55 billion in capital and has named company founder and CEO, Lei Jun, as its legal representative, according to Reuters. Since announcing its EV intentions earlier this year, the Beijing-based tech…

Beijing-based internet giant, Baidu, has developed a new chip as well as a “robocar”. The driverless concept car was created to showcase the computing power of the semiconductor, according to a report from CNBC. Unveiled at Baidu’s annual world conference in mid-August, the second-generation microchip, Kunlun 2, has recently gone into mass production, after three…

China has just approved a massive renewables megaproject. The Asian behemoth, which has set the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2060, gave the go-ahead to begin development on a power plant that will use solar and wind energy to create green hydrogen in the sparse Inner Mongolian region. According to the report issued by…

Straight from the pages of science fiction, China says it plans on building a massive, orbiting solar farm in space. The energy plant would beam a powerful solar beam towards ground stations 24 hours a day. Orbiting solar farms have been in scientific consciousness since the 1960s. The concept rose to prominence because it circumvents…

China’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery producer, CATL, debuted its first sodium-ion battery in late July. This breakthrough in manufacturing means their new battery can charge to near capacity in only 15 minutes. The $200 billion, Ningde-based company confirmed it would establish a supply chain for the new product by 2023. Typically CATL EV batteries are…

A breakthrough in refrigeration technology has enabled Chinese scientists to reach temperatures nearing absolute zero. This significant scientific advancement may provide the edge needed for China to become self-sufficient in the quantum computing industry. Representatives at the Beijing-based Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) say that new developments in ultra-low cooling…

The massive Baihetan hydropower plant in southwest China is now operational. Officially the second-largest hydropower facility on the planet, when operating at maximum capacity, the Baihetan facility will produce around 16 gigawatts of electricity, all by harnessing the power of the mighty Yangtze River. After a successful three-day systems check, engineers at the Baihetan facility…

A new wind tunnel may put China decades ahead in the race to further develop hypersonic technologies, according to a prominent Chinese physicist. The wind tunnel is the JF-22 facility, situated in Beijing’s Huairou District, and it’s capable of simulating flights moving at Mach 30, thirty times the speed of sound. The JF-22, as well…

A Chinese-built nuclear reactor, constructed to replicate the energy that powers the sun, is closer to creating nuclear fusion. One of China’s most ambitious clean energy projects, it’s something scientists could only theorize about just decades ago. Situated in Hefei, Anhui Province, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) is one of China’s “artificial suns”. This…

Electric vehicle (EV) maker, NIO, has announced plans to expand outside of China. The Tesla rival announced it would start deliveries to Norway by September 2020. NIO joins fellow Chinese EV manufacturer, Xpeng, in Norway, a nation that has more EVs per capita than any other country. The Shanghai-based firm confirmed it will launch its…

China continues to roll out wind farm installations worldwide at an unprecedented rate. In a year ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic, the globe’s second-largest economy accounted for more than half of 2020’s total installations. The significant increase in wind farm installations in 2020 comes after Chinese President, Xi Jinping said China would become a carbon-neutral…

China’s investment in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has dropped more than 50% since the Covid-19 virus was identified in Wuhan early last year. However, funding into green BRI projects seems set for a significant boost. Chinese investment in its 138 BRI partners dipped 54% from 2019 to 2020 to $47 billion overall, according…

Chinese fossil fuel mega firm Sinopec has teamed up with renewable energy companies to create ‘green hydrogen’ as part of China’s continued push towards the goal of carbon neutrality. The move is a necessary step for the oil-focused firm as the fossil fuel industry is becoming a thing of the past while renewables and clean…

China says it will turn to international investors to further its green crusade as it seeks to become a carbon-neutral country in the next 40 years. The Asian powerhouse said it would incentivise green financing by encouraging climate-friendly projects, enticing international investors to get behind green bonds, phasing out conventional petrol-powered cars and launching a…

Lesotho’s Mafeteng solar power plant aims to bring energy to 70% of Lesotho’s citizens who remain without access to power. The project, a 70MWp photovoltaic solar farm in the Ha-Ramathole district of Mafeteng, was given the green light after the Export-Import (Exim) Bank of China provided funding. It will break ground in early 2021. The…

The world’s second-largest solar farm, 2.2Gw plant, has come online in China’s Qinghai Province. The unveiling comes shortly after President Xi Jinping told the United Nations Annual General assembly that China plans to go carbon neutral by 2060. The plant, in China’s sparsely populated northwest region, took around four months to complete. Qinghai’s solar farm…

Chinese chemical and gas company, Linggas, has started to capture and re-use nitrous oxide during nylon production using new technology. The greenhouse gas is 300 times more harmful to the ozone layer than carbon dioxide. The Beijing-based industrial giant, which sells industrial gases used in electronics, recently took strides towards becoming climate-neutral, something Chinese president…

Xi Jinping, leader of the Chinese Communist Party and president of China, has pledged that his nation will become carbon neutral by 2060. He called for a “green revolution” and said China would scale up its targets under the Paris Climate Accord, in an address to the United Nations Annual General Assembly (UNGA) in New…

Promoting South Africa’s hydrogen economy should be a top priority for South African policymakers and industry leaders, says Steve Phiri, chief Executive of Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBPlat). Focusing resources on the relatively new industry may be help alleviate South Africa’s energy crisis, Phiri said at a virtual debate on 9 September, hosted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC).…

China’s automotive industry has found an unlikely hero after the Wuling Hong Guang Micro electric vehicle (EV), a joint venture between General Motors (GM) and SAIC Motor, outsold the Tesla Model 3 in China. Chinese EV manufacturers eager to be the ”next Tesla” have had to find ways to ride the momentum created by the…

Hengli Petrochemical, one of China’s largest privately-owned companies, has announced a move to turn coal into fabric. The $20 billion undertaking will produce polyester yarn, used in everything from clothing to packaging and bottling, from China’s vast coal reserves. In June, the chemical giant said it would make the multi-billion dollar transition into the coal-to-chemical…

China has vowed to cap the nation’s coal-fired capacity at 1 100Gw and its active coal mines to 5 000 sites by the year’s end. China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said it would decommission outdated and inferior coal-fired power units, while it would still approve new coal plants provided their contribution fell within the…

Zambian state-owned power company, Zesco, has announced a partnership with Chinese construction company, PowerChina, to construct three large solar power plants that will add a further 600MW of electricity to the African nation’s grid. The signing of the deal, worth a reported US$548 million, coincides with the news that the Zambian government is aiming to…

Chinese owned automobile company Geely and Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler have teamed up to create a smart automobile. The joint venture will cost an estimated RMB5.4 billion and is set to shake-up the electric car market. Daimler and Geely will each contribute RMB2.7 billion to the venture. Mercedes-Benz will be responsible for research and design…

Sany Heavy Industries, China’s largest industrial equipment manufacturer, has partnered with the regional government of Singida, Tanzania, to construct Africa’s largest wind farm. The company is a newcomer to turbine manufacturing, beginning operations in 2010, but is already China’s fourth largest exporter of turbine units. Sany produces turbine units with 1,5MW 2MW and 3MW operating…

China and Apple have formed the China Clean Energy Fund The project will supply 134 megawatts of clean energy to China’s national grid Apple launched the first of its kind China Clean Energy Fund in 2018 to connect suppliers with clean energy projects in China. Along with Apple, 10 Chinese suppliers have committed to investing…

China’s first forest city will have more than 40 000 trees It will be self-sufficient with a host of environmental benefits China is to get its first forest city — 175 hectares of trees, shrubs, and plants that cover the buildings and form vertical forests – in Liuzhou, in Guangxi, a mountainous region in northern China.…

China has built an air purifier in Xian in Shaanxi province said to be the world’s biggest In experimental phase, the tower is performing well so far A 100m tall air purifier tower in the northern city of Xian in Shaanxi province, has been designed and built by scientists at the Institute of Earth Environment…

China invests $16 billion into Nigeria’s oil sector China faces dwindling oil production at home China has invested US$16 billion in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, according to Nigeria’s state-owned National Petroleum Corporation. As Africa’s top oil producer, Nigeria produces two million barrels of oil a day, which it wants to grow to three million…

A waste-to-energy plant is set to open in Shenzhen in 2020 This waste-to-energy plant will be the biggest of its kind worldwide Modern metropolis, Shenzhen, that links Hong Kong to China’s mainland, produces over 15 000 tons of waste a day. This major city, home to 20 million people, expects that figure to increase by around…

China is leading the global race in solar power There are ongoing discussions between African countries and China on sustainable energy products African countries make up 57% of the world’s population still in the dark, so the need to power up the continent is essential for further economic growth. A recent study predicted that China’s…

Chinese firm opens US$45m plastic waste recycling plant in Kenya  Weeco Recycling Company plans to set up another one in Mombasa  Weeco Recycling Company, originally from China, opened the recycling plant in Athi River town in Eastern Kenya. The plant has the capacity to process 2 000 tons of PET bottles every month, which equates…

China is the 3rd country in the world to successfully complete a maiden flight with a hydrogen fuel plane This is a major step towards low-carbon & sustainable transport China has completed 10 test flights for its new hydrogen fuel aircraft as it tries out various tails and types of landing gear. The aircraft, named…

Everyone assumes the fourth industrial revolution will be about technology Actually, it will be centred around renewable energy and led by China There have been three industrial revolutions in the past two centuries. The first, led by the British, was the rising of steam energy which allowed for mechanisation and was implemented widely by railways.…

China flipped the switch on its first floating solar plant in 2017 The plant floats on top of a lake that was once, notably, home to a coal mine China now plans to build a floating solar power plant in space China has built a number of floating solar power plants that have played a…

China owns and operates 99% of the 385 000 electric buses in the world.  9 500 cutting-edge electric buses are added to China’s fleet about every five weeks.  Shenzhen has electrified all 16 359 of its public busses, the first city globally to do so.  China is increasing its electric bus fleet every five weeks by the…

Eskom signed a US$2.5 billion (approximately R33 billion) loan agreement with the China Development Bank, the Utility said on Tuesday. The deal was announced at a signing ceremony held in Pretoria. Eskom said in a statement the facility will form part of the funding of Eskom’s build programme and specifically the Kusile Power Station. Befitting…