Paving the “Carbon” Path Forward: Zero-Carbon Islands Power Rural Revitalization

State Grid Liaoning Electric Power is promoting clean, low-carbon energy consumption by developing all-electric scenic areas, homestays, kitchens, and “zero-carbon islands.”

Zhangdao Island in Donggang City, Dandong—known as the “first island at the eastern end of China’s maritime frontier”—attracts throngs of visitors every summer despite its small size of just one square kilometer. In 2023, State Grid Liaoning Electric Power completed the island’s “zero-carbon” transformation: all 160 households now use electric heating, achieving 100% clean heating coverage. Meanwhile, all 128 fishery homestays have adopted electrified equipment, with kitchens outfitted with induction cookers and steam ovens, and guest rooms running air conditioners and water heaters reliably.

“In the past, most homestays cooked with coal or firewood, creating heavy smoke and polluting the environment. Today, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood while also experiencing the comfort of electrification,” said Zhang Yi, Party Branch Secretary of Zhangdao Village.

The “zero-carbon island” initiative is also progressing in Changhai County, Dalian. State Grid Liaoning is developing a charging network for electric vessels, accelerating construction of a near-zero-carbon smart microgrid system on Guanglu Island, and building a green transport system on Haxian Island. On Dachangshan Island, buses and sightseeing vehicles are gradually shifting to pure electric. Local charging stations have already delivered 23,000 kWh of electricity, equivalent to replacing 530 tonnes of fuel oil and cutting 130 tonnes of carbon emissions.