Electricity Boosts 'Romantic Economy': Lanzhou's Rose Fragrance Gains Global Recognition

Recently, at the processing workshop of Gansu Oriental Tianrun Rose Technology Development Co., Ltd., the fully automated production lines were operating at full capacity, with workers busy sorting and processing freshly picked roses. During this process, Zhou Zhengxi and Feng Donghai, employees from State Grid Lanzhou Electric Power Supply Company, conducted a follow-up visit, carefully checking the operation of the workshop's electrical equipment to ensure everything was running smoothly.

"Rose processing relies on electricity. With your professional inspection, I no longer have to worry about equipment malfunctions. Just look at how smoothly the machines are operating. Our workers can perform their tasks efficiently and effectively. The inspection boosts our confidence as we pursue our path to prosperity!" said Zhang Xuhua, Office Director of Gansu Oriental Tianrun Rose Technology Development Co., Ltd., to the two employees from the electric power supply company.

Employees of State Grid Lanzhou Electric Power Supply Company assist customers in checking the temperature controller of distillation equipment in the production workshop

Photo by Shi Shuangxuan

Kushui Town, located in Yongdeng County, Lanzhou, stands out as a model for China's national "One Village, One Product" initiative. The town’s rose cultivation area accounts for around 42% of the national total and nearly one-third of the global market. While the Kushui rose has smaller flowers, it boasts a high yield and an essential oil content of up to 0.04%, giving it significant economic value. Currently, the rose cultivation area in Yongdeng County exceeds 100,000 mu (about 6,666.67 hectares), with an annual flower output of 25.8 million kilograms, generating an estimated annual revenue of CNY 600 million. This industry has helped more than 50,000 farmers increase their income, with the average household income rising by more than CNY 12,000.

Since 2024, State Grid Lanzhou Electric Power Supply Company has focused on meeting the electricity needs of the core rose production area in Kushui Town, Yongdeng County. The company has undertaken substantial upgrades to the distribution network, including the construction and renovation of 14.07 kilometers of 10 kV lines, the renovation of 30.45 kilometers of 0.4 kV lines, the installation of 27 distribution transformers with a total capacity of 3,363 kVA, and 1,841 smart meter boxes. These efforts have created a stable and high-quality electricity supply environment, essential for processes such as low-temperature extraction of rose essential oil. The upgrades have strongly supported the flourishing local rose industry.

Employees of State Grid Lanzhou Electric Power Supply Company conduct electrical safety inspections in the production workshop

Photo by Shi Shuangxuan

From late May to early June each year, roses in Yongdeng County reach full bloom, marking the peak production season for local processing companies. To support this, State Grid Lanzhou Electric Power Supply Company has established a dedicated power supply guarantee system for the “Rose Season.” From April to June, the company organizes proactive visits to rose processing enterprises, developing tailored electricity support plans for each business. In addition, the company conducts thorough inspections of key electrical equipment, such as production lines and cold storage facilities. This ensures the reliability of the electricity supply, improves energy efficiency, and reduces electricity costs for enterprises. These efforts enable the "romantic economy" to thrive, with reliable power ensuring smooth operations. (Text by Huo Xingyun and Li Xiaodong)