​On the east coast of Hainan, the 1.92 square kilometer large Dongyu Island has been turned into a Near-Zero Carbon Demonstration Zone full of “Green Magic”. This is not only the venue of the annual Boao Forum for Asia but also a brightly shining window on a low-carbon lifestyle. HIMC Overseas Communication Officer Chris Sutor from the UK is on a journey to discover this green land. Let’s join him for a near zero-carbon day on Dongyu Island and find out what’s behind this “Green Magic”.

Early morning sunlight beams through the curtains into a room at the Boao Forum for Asia Hotel. Chris opens the balcony door for a look outside. The cadmium telluride film on the balcony’s glass panels not only reduces the intensity of the strong tropical sunlight, but can also perform photovoltaic power generation. That means that the entire balcony is a green energy producing power cell contributing to the hotel’s power needs.

As you enter the hotel lobby, a ‘breathing’ curtain wall comes into view. The top of the wall is equipped with an electric fan that automatically opens and closes the top of the wall according to weather station data, making use of the chimney effect to expel hot air and achieve balanced temperature, humidity, and air circulation levels. This intelligent design saves energy and reduces emissions while also greatly improving indoor comfort. At the Boao Forum for Asia Press Center, Chris was even more impressed by the ‘zero energy consumption’ building. Rooftops, facades, and floors are covered in photovoltaic tiles collecting solar energy, while flower-shaped wind turbines convert the gentle sea breezes into useful power. These green energy sources are combined with a flexible energy storage system to supply power to the press center. In fact, the system generates a surplus annually!

In addition, the Boao Near-Zero Carbon Demonstration Zone also showcases an ecological model combining solar energy generation with agriculture. In the greenhouses here, precise environmental controls and smart irrigation systems are increasing crop yields by 20-30% and reducing water usage by around 70% while also generating clean energy for use on the island. These green agricultural practices produce tasty, fresh foods as well as contribute to environmental protection efforts.

With the arrival of the 2024 Boao Forum for Asia, this green island will showcase China’s advanced technologies and green development concepts on the world stage. In his day exploring the Boao Near-Zero Carbon Demonstration Zone, Chris was deeply impressed by the “Green Magic” at work here. He is convinced that in this green-low carbon land, life is sure to get even better and more sustainable in the future.