Shenzhen's first smart zero-carbon school project has officially gone into operation at Shenzhen Experimental School Guangming Campus, marking a new milestone in the city's drive toward sustainable education and green transformation.

The Phase I Comprehensive Smart Zero-Carbon Energy Management Project features a total installed capacity of 480.35 kWp and is expected to generate 460,000 kWh of electricity annually, meeting 9.3% of the campus's total power demand. The system will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 217 tons each year, equivalent to planting 12,000 trees, supporting the school’s low-carbon transition.

Unlike the traditional “zero-carbon” concept that demands extremely high environmental standards and total emission elimination, the emerging “near-zero carbon” model focuses on implementing a series of energy-saving, emission-reducing, and carbon-capturing measures to achieve substantial emission cuts without compromising economic growth. This approach offers greater feasibility and scalability in urban applications.

The Guangming project marks a 2.0-level breakthrough in the city's “near-zero carbon” initiative by integrating cutting-edge smart energy management technologies.

These upgrades enable the solar power station to function as a self-sensing, self-regulating intelligent unit. Once dispatch targets are issued, the gateway autonomously calculates optimal output and dynamically balances loads, ensuring the safe, precise, and efficient operation of the regional grid.

According to Song Yan, general manager of the Guangming Power Supply Bureau, the project aligns with China's national “dual carbon” goals — peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality — as public institutions play an increasingly important role in advancing green energy transformation.

Yu Zhiyong, Party secretary of the Guangming Campus, said the project embodies the school's philosophy of integrating science and education. The campus will develop customized courses around the project, encouraging students to participate in energy monitoring and data analysis, and helping instill low-carbon awareness and cultivate the next generation of green innovators.