SZ takes bold steps to lead in digital energy by 2030

Shenzhen recently unveiled an ambitious development plan aimed at cementing its position as a global leader in digital energy by 2030. This blueprint, revealed during the opening ceremony of the 2024 International Digital Energy Expo (IDEE) on Monday, outlines the city’s commitment to pioneering breakthroughs in green and low-carbon technology.

The plan features the creation of four key centers focusing on cutting-edge research and development, advanced manufacturing, scenario-based demonstrations, and global deployment of innovative solutions. With this initiative, Shenzhen seeks to introduce its own “Shenzhen solution” to the international digital energy landscape, driving sustainable energy transitions worldwide.

Visitors exchange views on new energy vehicle charging equipment on display at the Huawei Technologies booth during the 2024 International Digital Energy Expo, which is scheduled to wrap up today at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District. Photos by Liu Xudong

At the heart of this vision lies developing cutting-edge technology platforms, fostering innovation, and nurturing talent to drive breakthroughs in critical areas like solar energy and energy storage. To create interdisciplinary programs, support talent development, and encourage collaborative innovation in digital energy, Shenzhen plans to integrate the industrial, academic, and research sectors.

Tech innovation

To carry out these ambitious goals, the city plans to establish 193 high-level digital energy technological innovation platforms, drive core technological advancements, and facilitate the commercialization, industrialization, and internationalization of breakthroughs in solar photovoltaics, new energy storage batteries, and key end-use applications.

Aspiring to cement its status as a global one-stop supply hub for digital energy, Shenzhen is actively engaging in the international digital energy trade market to further international cooperation. This strategic move aims to boost the competitiveness and influence of locally developed international brands, positioning Shenzhen as a key player in the global digital energy market.

Shenzhen has earned its title as the “city of ultra-fast charging” by building cutting-edge infrastructure to support new energy vehicles (NEVs) and setting local standards for ultra-fast charging technology. With 374,000 charging points spread across 550 ultra-fast stations and 145 vehicle-to-grid (V2G) stations, there are now more NEV charging stations than traditional gas stations in the city.

The city continues to push the boundaries of innovation with the introduction of the country’s first grid for power storage and charging. Through the intuitive “iShenzhen” app, users can easily access these facilities, making green transportation more accessible and convenient. This integration of technology offers a novel experience for residents that brings eco-friendly travel options to their fingertips.

Industry leaders

Shenzhen enterprises have emerged as leaders in research and development within the energy sector, according to the city’s economic planner. The city has made significant progress in establishing a cutting-edge new energy system, with clean energy accounting for over 80% of the city’s installed capacity.

Prominent local companies unveiled state-of-the-art technologies and groundbreaking products at the 2024 IDEE, which was held from Monday to today at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District.

Spanning 50,000 square meters, the expo features seven distinct exhibition areas, including energy storage, new power system, new energy, energy storage core components, digital empowerment, comprehensive energy services, and international enterprise zones.

Industry leaders like Huawei, Tencent, BYD, and Southern Power Grid made noteworthy announcements during the expo.

Charles Yang, Huawei’s senior vice president, introduced the company’s revolutionary global intelligent microgrid solution, said to be the world’s largest and first of its kind. This new solution has the potential to illuminate remote islands around the world.

Sun Fujie, chief expert of Tencent Cloud’s energy sector, highlighted Tencent’s adept utilization of digital technology advantages to deliver a transformative intelligent empowerment platform for the new energy industry chain, driving diverse innovation applications across industries.

Yan Shaowei, business director of BYD’s energy storage and new battery division, presented the company’s innovative microgrid photovoltaic storage and charging integrated power stations. He also said that the rise of green new energy — exemplified by photovoltaic storage and charging — is positioned to play a pivotal role in achieving global carbon neutrality objectives.

Liang Shouyu, a senior expert from China Southern Power Grid, discussed the integration of artificial intelligence within the company, noting that leveraging artificial general intelligence (AGI) is a primary developmental strategy. Pioneering the power industry’s advanced large model base, the company hopes to facilitate the rapid deployment of intelligent power applications across various scenarios.

International exhibitors and professionals are also actively engaged. "We bring the industry together to maximize the deployment of solar energy worldwide. We believe that the innovation showcased here in Shenzhen, particularly in smart digital energy, has the potential to significantly enhance the impact of solar energy," Sonia Dunlop, CEO of the Global Solar Council, said at a forum during the expo.

Michael Moeller, executive director of Siemens Energy's China project development division, emphasized the importance of renewable energy storage.

"It will help bridge between production and consumption. However, I think it needs to be also attractive for investors. That means investors would also need to get some return of the investment ... I think there are many opportunities and there’s a big challenge ahead of us. I think we can learn a lot from Shenzhen," he said.

International Voices

International professionals and experts attending forums that are part of the ongoing International Digital Energy Expo are engaging in dynamic discussions and exchanging valuable perspectives, insights, and recommendations that will help to shape the future of the global digital energy industry.

A visitor uses a pair of handheld thermal binoculars on display at the expo. 

Michael Moeller

Executive director, China Project Development at Siemens Energy

Renewable energy storage is important. It will help bridge between production and consumption. However, I think it needs to also be attractive for investors. That means investors would also need to get some return of the investment, so they need to participate in the selling of power.

I think there are many opportunities, and there’s a big challenge ahead of us. I think we can learn a lot from Shenzhen.

Sonia Dunlop

CEO, Global Solar Council

We bring the industry together to maximize the deployment of solar energy worldwide. We believe that the innovation showcased here in Shenzhen, particularly in smart digital energy, has the potential to significantly enhance the impact of solar energy.

We are aware that 25 million homes worldwide already have solar energy systems installed. Many of these homes are powered by technologies such as Huawei’s solutions.

Our primary focus is to drive down the costs of financing solar energy projects globally. We understand that the cost of solar energy has decreased by 80% over the last 15 years, thanks to your efforts, and the cost of storage has also decreased by 40%.

Andres Rebolledo Smitmans

Executive secretary, the Latin American Energy Organization

Latin America boasts one of the highest penetrations of renewable energy sources globally. Efforts are underway to further decarbonize the economy and collaborate on storage technologies.

Latin American countries, especially Chile, are working very hard to use different technologies in storage. Santiago, the capital of Chile, after Shenzhen, is the second city with the biggest fleet of electric buses.

Mathieu Joachim Bineau

CEO of Voltalis, France

The success of the energy transition rests on two main pillars. Firstly, electrification — utilizing more electricity as can be sourced sustainably. This involves electrifying transportation and heating/cooling systems. Secondly, the generation of green energy.

However, a crucial third element is flexibility, which is necessary for balancing energy grids amidst varying consumption and generation patterns. Digital energy solutions play a vital role in providing this flexibility.

Our AI platform optimizes energy consumption and offers balancing services to support the energy transition. Shenzhen is really at the cornerstone and well advanced on that, but the building parts could still be developed further.

Redvin Marku

Chief financial officer, Energy Group, National Grid of Albania

Albania is going in the right way toward renewable energy. We have started implementing and licensing companies to produce energy from wind to make it as green as possible.

I think that regulations in most of the countries must be more simple and easier for companies and people to start implementing even a small project.