The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024 is approaching. Meanwhile, the Boao Near-Zero Carbon Demonstration Area completed construction and began operation on March 18, where COSCO SHIPPING undertook and completed numerous green transformation sub-projects.

The demonstration area is primarily situated on Dongyu Island in Qionghai, Hainan Province, covering an area of 1.8 square kilometers. It stands as the first regional near-zero carbon pilot initiative. Commencing from 2022, the area has undergone renovations across 18 sub-projects, spanning eight dimensions such as green building transformation, landscape ecology, and green transportation.

These renovations are carried out in two phases, with all construction work slated for completion prior to the BFA Annual Conference 2024. Upon successful establishment of the demonstration area, it is expected to achieve an annual carbon reduction (including offset measures) of 11,617.7 tons, which accounts for 86.4% of the annual carbon emissions of 13,436 tons within current demonstration area. Moreover, the area will provide an annual supply of 22.57 million kWh of clean electricity.

The construction of the demonstration area is designed to fully capitalize on the region’s natural wind, solar, and thermal resources. It integrates these with agricultural activities and facilitates energy storage and charging infrastructure through photovoltaic systems. By harnessing sunlight and the power of the sea breeze, the area is capable of sustainably meeting the “green electricity” demands for this year’s BFA Annual Conference.

The Visible "Brain"

The Boao Near-Zero Carbon Demonstration Area Operation Management Center is a management system built on the urban information model platform, Internet of Things platform, and big data platform, which can achieve carbon monitoring, carbon accounting, and intelligent operation and maintenance of the area.

The Boao Near-Zero Carbon Demonstration Area Operation Management Center platform, presented on a 46.8 square meter curved screen, has established terminal facilities based on wireless Internet of Things communication technology to monitor water, electricity, air and other aspects in key areas, achieving intelligent and dynamic management of carbon data.

The “Zero Energy Consumption” Building

The BFA News Center serves as the primary venue for media professionals to work, report, and recharge during the annual conference. Fan Chong, Vice President of COSCO SHIPPING Boao Co., Ltd, said that the News Center’s annual electricity consumption amounts to approximately 550,000 kWh, all of which is derived from “green electricity”. He further explained that solar energy is harvested through rooftop photovoltaics, facade photovoltaics, and photovoltaic floor tiles, while ground flower fans continuously harness wind energy propelled by the sea breeze. This generated power is then integrated with a PEDF energy storage system to form a comprehensive photovoltaic system. With an annual power generation capacity of about 770,000 kWh, the system not only meets but also exceeds the center’s energy needs.

（666 facade photovoltaics provide both shading and power generation）

（Photovoltaic floor tiles are non-slip and insulated）

（Flower fans collect wind energy to generate electricity）

The Electricity Generating Roof

COSCO SHIPPING fully utilized the existing space on building roofs and parking lots, and configured 5.1MW photovoltaic.

Different photovoltaic installation forms were adopted according to the character of each building. The Main Hall adopts the technology of building photovoltaic integration, and the photovoltaic roof is completely consistent with the original building roof shape; The News Center adopts photovoltaic modules anchored to the building structure to reduce the overall load of the photovoltaic system; The Dongyu Island Hotel adopts a counterweight photovoltaic system due to the large reserved load of the existing building structure; The parking lot with good sunshine conditions uses photovoltaic sheds. All these photovoltaic can withstand typhoons of force 12.

The “Breathing” Wall

The lobby of the BFA Hotel is three floors high. Before the renovation, both the north and south walls were large enclosed glass. They are now replaced by double-layer hollow Low-e glass walls, which are divided into three sections: upper, middle, and lower. The upper section is electric windows, which can be electrically opened combined with meteorological station data, using the chimney effect to take away indoor warm air; The bottom section is manually opening doors and windows; The middle section is fixed walls.

The Fully Electrified Energy System

In order to reduce carbon emission, the original gas boiler has been replaced by air source heat pump units. In the kitchen, gas stoves have been replaced by electrical ones.

Based on the data prediction of the energy intelligent operation and maintenance platform, a water storage cold tank has been established，achieving two storage and discharge within 24 hours, significantly improving the utilization rate of equipment and facilities. The height of the tank is 18 meters. Plants were added outside to maintain coordination and unity with the surrounding environment.