World's first zero-carbon airport completed in Ordos

The world's first airport powered by an integrated zero-carbon energy system has been completed at Ordos Ejin Horoo International Airport, marking a breakthrough in green aviation infrastructure.

The technical achievements of the airport's "wind-solar-storage-cooling-heating-electricity" energy system, based on integrated carbon dioxide cooling and heating technology, were unveiled at a July 25 launch event.

The event showcased the airport's latest technological innovations, and experts announced the results of the technical review and appraisal.

Following the event, participants visited the Peking University Ordos Research Institute of Energy to learn more about the project's research and development.

The airport now sources more than 90 percent of its energy from clean energy. It consumes over 21 million kilowatt-hours of wind and solar electricity annually, while its heating and cooling system has cut annual energy consumption by 60 percent and operating costs by 50 percent. The system also saves more than 2 million cubic meters of natural gas each year.

The project has achieved energy supply with zero fossil fuels, zero fluorinated refrigerants, and zero cooling water, significantly reducing its environmental impact.

According to the technical assessment, the airport has achieved a total emissions reduction rate of 95.15 percent.

The remaining emissions, accounting for less than 5 percent, are offset through a compliant carbon offset mechanism, resulting in net carbon emissions of zero or below.

Experts concluded that the project meets the standards of a zero-carbon airport, with its overall technological achievements reaching an internationally leading level.