At COP31, State Grid Showcases Climate Action Efforts in Industrial Parks

COP31: State Grid's Commitment to Climate Action

At the COP31 conference held in Antalya, Turkey, on November 9, 2026, the State Grid Corporation of China showcased its innovative climate action practices within industrial parks. This event, organized by the Center for Environmental Education and Communications of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, highlighted the 2026 Enterprise Climate Action Achievements Collection.

The conference emphasized the growing role of electrification in global energy consumption, forecasting that electricity will account for 35% of all end-use energy by 2035. Many industrial parks, known for their significant energy demands and carbon output, are now under scrutiny as part of global sustainability goals. State Grid is adapting by constructing a modern power grid based on new architectures, technologies, and services.

Innovative Solutions in Energy and Technology
Two key initiatives by State Grid exemplify their commitment to sustainability. First, the Suzhou Power Supply Company utilizes ultra-high voltage (UHV) lines to transport clean hydropower to the Suzhou Industrial Park. This setup boasts a remarkable 99.999% reliability in power supply and achieves a 100% utilization of locally consumed renewable energy. In parallel, the Liyang High-Tech Zone has developed the province's largest microgrid cluster and launched one of China's first green power direct connection projects. This ensures a resilient energy structure through a combination of main grid supply assurance and microgrid autonomy.

Technologically, Suzhou's virtual power plant platform offers an impressive 79.4 MW of adjustable capacity with a demand response accuracy of 98%. Meanwhile, Liyang's innovative electricity-carbon factor platform, the first of its kind to gain SGS certification, employs AI to optimize green power consumption.

Comprehensive Services for Carbon Management
On the service front, Suzhou established China’s inaugural market-based carbon inclusion service system, now aiding over 600 enterprises and successfully issuing 500,000 tonnes of carbon reductions—of which 190,000 tonnes were traded. Simultaneously, Liyang's strategy for electricity-carbon coordination provides a holistic approach encompassing carbon accounting, reduction, trading, and evaluation, facilitating the export of carbon-neutral transformers.

As discussions about global climate governance evolve from mere commitments to actionable implementations, the successful strategies employed by State Grid’s industrial parks are emerging as models for transitioning towards greener energy solutions. This transformation is a testament to the role of grid companies as integrators in the green transition, providing a replicable framework for various parks regardless of their resource endowments.

State Grid: Leading the Green Energy Transition
State Grid Corporation of China is at the forefront of building and maintaining power grids that not only deliver reliable electricity but also advance the goals of a low-carbon and green environment. As evidenced by their efforts at COP31, State Grid is demonstrating that the integration of innovative solutions and climate action strategies can make a significant impact on sustainability within industrial settings.

With global challenges in climate action escalating, initiatives like those presented by State Grid serve as a beacon of progress, illuminating pathways toward a sustainable energy future for industries worldwide.