On Shanghai's Chongming Island, rows of solar panels shimmer above a vast crab pond. These panels do more than capture the light. They also generate green electricity to power one of China's biggest events of the year, the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE).
This innovative approach combines aquaculture with renewable energy, enabling the expo, held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10, to be fully powered by green energy for the first time in its history.
According to the State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company, organizers secured 10 million kWh of clean electricity for the event, a quarter of that coming from solar panels in the crab ponds, ensuring that the venue runs sustainably throughout its duration.
Lvuhua Town on the island is leading the way in adopting the combined "fisheries-solar" approach. The crab ponds, home to prized Chinese mitten crabs (also known as Shanghai hairy crabs), are now doubling as solar power stations.
Zhang Jun, a local crab farmer, has been experimenting with this new idea. "I've been raising crabs on about 200 mu (around 13.33 hectares) of my pond this year," he said.
Notably, after solar panels were installed, Zhang noticed a significant drop in the crab mortality rate. He explained that the panels serve as natural sources of shade, cooling the water during the hot summer months and creating a healthier environment for the crabs.
The first phase of the project in Lvhua Town spans an area of 1,263 mu and has a total capacity of 44 megawatts. The floating solar panels generate 45.76 million kWh of electricity annually.
According to the developer, China Huadian Corporation Ltd., the output is equivalent to saving 14,000 tonnes of coal each year and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 39,000 tonnes annually.
"We supported the construction of the 110 kV transmission line to connect this renewable energy directly to the grid," said Ma Qingyun, an engineer at the State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company's Chongming branch.
The project is part of Chongming District's broader efforts to become a carbon-neutral island. Over recent years, Chongming has rolled out a series of green initiatives, including solar farms in the towns of Chenjia, Hengsha and Lvuhua. Other areas like Gangxi and Zhongxing townships are following suit.
Currently, Chongming's total installed capacity for renewable energy, including solar, wind and biomass, has exceeded 686,000 kilowatts. Renewable energy now accounts for around 40 percent of the district's total electricity consumption -- among the highest in Shanghai.
