'Super energy complex' to aid China's carbon-neutral efforts

Beijing-headquartered and carrier-neutral, hyperscale data center solution provider Chindata Group is building a super energy complex, in a bid to support the country's efforts at carbon neutrality.

The first of its kind, the super energy complex offers a solution that combines big data, clean energy and public service, realizing the optimization of energy consumption per unit of gross domestic product.

"The super energy complex is based on Chindata's data center, and can be applied to scenarios such as urban heating, new energy vehicle charging, cold chain logistics, ecological agriculture and winter sports," said Alex Ju, founder and CEO of Chindata Group.

Data from the National Development and Reform Commission showed currently, the consumption of standard coal per metric ton directly contributes to 11,000 yuan ($1,719) worth of output value and 888,000 yuan in digital industrialization added value for the data center. It also promotes the digital transformation of various industries, indirectly generating a digital market worth of 3.61 million yuan.

"The data center's transition to a super energy complex increases its industrial added value exponentially, and empowers industries including municipal service, urban energy management, ecological agriculture, sports and entertainment," Ju said.

"The super energy complex exchanges cold and thermal energy, storing cold energy on a large scale while generating huge thermal energy at the same time.

"When there is an ice skating gymnasium nearby, the complex can directly supply cold energy to the gym. In terms of thermal energy, after heat exchange, the high-temperature water in the complex can be connected with municipal pipelines to form a stable heating source in winter," she added.

China, as the world's largest developing nation, has committed itself to peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2060.

Vice-Premier Han Zheng last month presided over the first plenary meeting of a leading group on reducing carbon emissions, reflecting the nation's strong resolve in meeting the goals, with strategic policies to be carried out soon.

"By applying the super energy complex into various industries, it is expected that the industries will embrace sustainable, low-cost and super-scale development prospect," Ju said.