While visiting a "smart" thermal power plant in Beijing, an American exclaimed that the country's advanced equipment and innovative practices are closely connected to China's rapid sci-tech and social development.

At Beijing Gas Thermal Power Plant — the most intelligent, eco-friendly power plant in China, Howard Wang from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz), noted that the visit completely challenged his previous perceptions of power plants.

He was among a delegation of 50 teachers and students from Peking University International Summer School, who visited the plant and exchanged ideas on China's "dual-carbon" policy — peaking carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.

During the visit on July 3, they also learned about the intelligent gas-fired thermal demonstration achievements at the power plant, which is wholly invested by China Shenhua with a total installed capacity of 950 megawatt, operating a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) unit.

During the tour, the teachers and students experienced the cutting-edge sci-tech innovation of Beijing Gas Thermal, the only power company awarded the title "Beijing Smart Plant", becoming a pivotal power support and heat source in Beijing since its official commissioning in August 2015.

Also learning about the energy transition led by CHN Energy, and China Shenhua's practices and explorations in ESG management and green financing, the delegates visited key facilities, including the exhibition hall, the main control room, and the steam turbine room of the centralized control building, getting a detailed understanding of the plant's construction, operation, sci-tech innovation, and application of intelligence.

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 outside world, while fostering understanding and cooperation among young people from different cultural backgrounds.

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."

During the face-to-face discussions, the person-in-charge of China Shenhua's International Business Department also briefed the delegates on the basic information of CHN Energy and China Shenhua.