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Celebrating International Biodiversity Day 2025

On May 22, 2025, Shanghai Electric, a leading player in the energy sector, observed International Biodiversity Day with a focus on promoting "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development." This year's theme encapsulates the company's ongoing commitment to integrating ecological protection into all stages of project development, demonstrating their dedication to environmental stewardship across various global initiatives.

Shanghai Electric’s notable efforts span diverse regions, from the deserts of Dubai to the forests of Romania and the Selangor coastline in Malaysia. By engaging local communities and employing cutting-edge technologies, the company strives to protect global biodiversity and emphasizes the significance of sustainable practices in its operations. In its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, Shanghai Electric detailed these initiatives, which solidify its leadership in ethical and sustainable operations.

Innovative Approaches to Biodiversity Protection

Shanghai Electric excels at incorporating biodiversity considerations into its project designs. The company conducts thorough evaluations of local endangered species and proactively implements strategies to minimize environmental impacts during project execution. This commitment is evident in its operational sites, where efforts to maintain ecological balance and promote biodiversity protection are routinely assessed for effectiveness.

For instance, the solar thermal power project in Dubai undertook a biodiversity protection strategy even before construction began. The initiative included identifying sensitive species habitats, erecting protective fencing, and restricting construction activities to designated pathways. This not only heightened employee awareness of local ecosystems but also culminated in a community engagement clean-up event in 2024, emphasizing collaboration with city officials.

In Romania, the Skurtu photovoltaic project was designed to safeguard local forests. The project effectively rerouted cable pathways around small woodlands and constructed access roads away from agricultural lands. With a capacity of 56.03 MWp, this facility will supply eco-friendly electricity to approximately 48,000 households while mitigating annual CO2 emissions by 4,150 tons—a testament to Shanghai Electric's responsibility towards environmental protection within its expansive global projects.

Advanced Technology and Ecological Restoration

The Hunutlu Thermal Power Plant in Turkey is another prime example of Shanghai Electric’s innovative technologies that aid in ecological restoration. It is situated in an area known for its rich biodiversity, hosting various reptiles and invertebrates on the IUCN Red List of endangered species. The plant employs superior emissions-reducing technology that significantly cuts down dust, sulfur, and nitrogen emissions while maintaining zero wastewater runoff during the desulfurization process, thus protecting the coastal regions of the Black Sea. Furthermore, its advanced systems recycle wastewater for agricultural irrigation, showcasing a commitment to sustainable resource management.

During the construction phase, measures were implemented to protect local turtle populations, including establishing a volunteer team to clean beaches and remove nesting barriers. By limiting construction noise and nighttime lighting towards the sea, the plant further minimizes environmental disruptions, underlining its robust commitment to biodiversity and ecological responsibility.

Community Engagement for Biodiversity Awareness

In October 2024, Shanghai Electric’s renewables division in Malaysia engaged in a beach clean-up organized by the Malaysian Ministry of Environment. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about environmental conservation and reduce coastal pollution, contributing to the protection of marine biodiversity in the Selangor area. Not only did the team participate in the clean-up, but they also promoted the company’s environmental and occupational safety policies, reinforcing Shanghai Electric’s commitment to green energy and ecological sustainability.

The project team highlighted their diligent efforts in managing environmental and safety risks, receiving multiple certificates for their environmental protection efforts from Selangor authorities, who acknowledged their responsible approach to sustainable development in the region.

Looking Ahead in 2025

As Shanghai Electric continues to support biodiversity in 2025, it builds on successful campaigns initiated in 2024 that underscored the alignment of industrial growth with environmental protection. The company plans to leverage its strengths in clean technologies and green manufacturing to advance the notion of “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”

For more information on Shanghai Electric's ESG policies, interested parties are encouraged to visit the company's official website or refer to its 2024 ESG report. This consistent advocacy for sustainability reaffirms the intrinsic connection between innovation and environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for the industry.