Wandering through the bustling streets of Shenzhen, often dubbed China’s
“first city of new-energy vehicles,”
one cannot help but notice the myriad of NEVs parked under banners advocating for “green and low-carbon
” living. This vibrant city, home to nearly 18 million people and located adjacent to Hong Kong, has been at the forefront of China’s economic evolution since pioneering its reforms four decades ago. Today, Shenzhen stands as a beacon for carbon mitigation efforts, leading the way as a testbed for constructing “
low-carbon cities” across China.
“It is not just about replacing vehicles; it is about transforming an entire city,”
remarks Wei Fulei, director at the China Development Institute. Shenzhen’s journey towards a low-carbon future began in the early 2000s when the city faced severe air pollution challenges. After years of concerted efforts to combat pollution, Shenzhen successfully slashed its average air pollution levels by around 50%, earning itself a reputation as one of China’s pioneering “low-carbon cities.”
“We have witnessed a paradigm shift in industrial dynamics,”
notes Fulei. Strategic initiatives aimed at nurturing emerging industries like information technology paved the way for significant advancements in low-carbon technologies such as new-energy vehicles (NEVs). The birthplace of global electric vehicle giant BYD, Shenzhen now boasts an impressive statistic – producing 22% of China’s total NEVs in 2024 with ambitious plans for further growth.
Shen Xinyi from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air emphasizes Shenzhen’s proactive stance in fostering new industries:
“The local government introduced innovative policies to support wind power, solar energy, and EVs two decades ago.”
This foresight enabled rapid growth within the NEV sector, propelling NEVs to account for a remarkable 77% of new car sales in Shenzhen – well above the national average.
However, replicating Shenzhen’s success story presents unique challenges. Shen cautions that while Shenzhen thrived due to specific advantages like its robust supply chain and skilled workforce, other Chinese cities must tailor strategies according to their distinct circumstances.
In parallel with Shenzhen’s endeavors, China has been transitioning towards a “dual control” system focusing on carbon intensity rather than absolute emissions – aligning with global climate goals. Notably, Shenzhen took an early lead by committing explicitly to this system ahead of other cities while setting more ambitious targets than national directives.
Shifting gears toward sustainable energy sources is imperative for any low-carbon transition. In this regard, nuclear power plays a pivotal role in powering nearly half of Shenzhen’s electricity grid alongside investments in renewable energy sources. However, looming challenges include heavy reliance on imported electricity and constraints on expanding renewable capacities due to limited land resources.
Zheng underscores that financial instruments are crucial drivers for accelerating low-carbon transitions: “Policy support can significantly reduce costs associated with greener industries.” Initiatives like green bonds have injected momentum into green financing mechanisms but their direct impact on emission reductions warrants further evaluation.
As discussions around replicating the “Shenzhen model” echo through policy corridors and international platforms like COP29 last year where Xu Hua showcased their achievements – realities on-ground underscore diverse transition pathways across Chinese cities tailored to their individual contexts.
While emulating successes from trailblazing cities like Suzhou with its innovative low-carbon industrial park or Tianjin spearheading collaborations with global partners adds depth to China’s sustainability narrative – each city embarks on a distinctive journey towards a greener future shaped by its unique landscape and opportunities.
