Remote Chinese city uses new energy to cut carbon emissions

• In part of the city that used to be a desert, a most livable area demonstrating a green and low-carbon development mode has been built.
• Turpan is also the only suitable place in the country for vehicles to have high-temperature testing before hitting the market.

The ancient city of Turpan in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is taking advantage of its abundant sunlight and other natural resources to create a more low-carbon and livable region.

In part of the city that used to be a desert, a most livable area demonstrating a green and low-carbon development mode has been built.

Local resident Shan Qing has been deeply impressed by the changes in life over the past few years.

"We used to rely on coal for heat, which produced a lot of dust. The cost was relatively high and it wasn't safe. We were also worried about the coal smoke," said Shan.

Since a landmark micro electricity grid project powered by solar energy was launched, a new way of heating homes has made life easier.

The new technology is called "ground source heat pump" -- a central heating and cooling system that transfers heat from the ground. The company that provides it uses the city's underground water to benefit some 6,000 families.

"The biggest advantage of the electric heat pump is being clean, low-carbon and environment-friendly. No matter whether the system is working in the heating or cooling mode, the whole process of its operation generates no sewage, waste or exhaust fume," said Huang Lidong, deputy manager of Turpan Nenghui New Energy Company.

Turpan is also the only suitable place in the country for vehicles to have high-temperature testing before hitting the market. To meet the growing demand, a special company has been established near the mountain to serve carmakers nationwide.

"In the past, there was no standard venue for high-temperature testing in Turpan. All the tests were carried out on ordinary roads, but there were big safety hazards on such roads. And the data collected was not precise," said He Gang, general manager of flaming mountain vehicle inspection company.

Since the Turpan high-temperature testing site went into service in 2019, the influx of auto testers has also driven the development of other sectors in the city, including tourism, catering and lodging.

And the local government is planning to expand its already successful exploration for new energy.

"In the next step, we will continue to promote and employ more kinds of new energy, like using the soil resource, air energy and solar energy to drive heating and cooling systems. We will promote the application of these technologies," said Xiao Xijiang, head of urban planning department in Turpan's demonstration district.