Representatives from Wencheng present the zero-carbon village model at COP30, in Belem, Brazil. [Photo/Wencheng county]
Wencheng county in Wenzhou presented its "zero-carbon village" model at the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), held from Nov 10 to 21 in Belem, Brazil.
The case was featured at a seminar on China's energy transition, offering a practical example of how rural and mountainous areas can pursue low-carbon development.
The presentation detailed how the Wencheng government, State Grid, and multiple partners built an integrated "source-grid-load-storage" microgrid in Wuyang village. This model provides a replicable pathway for remote communities to achieve a stable green-energy supply while reducing emissions.
An aerial view of Wuyang village in Wencheng county, Wenzhou. [Photo/Wencheng county]
Located 730 meters above sea level, Wuyang village once struggled with underused renewable energy and high local emissions, despite having abundant hydropower and solar resources. Now, thanks to digitalized management and a six-in-one clean-energy system-combining hydropower, solar, hydrogen storage, vanadium batteries, EV charging, and smart controls — the village runs entirely on locally generated clean electricity.
The project has lowered energy costs, improved tourism capacity through electrified infrastructure, and raised the village's collective revenue from just over 100,000 yuan (about $14,069) to 1.13 million yuan. Household income has risen by an average of 8,500 yuan annually, while each household now cuts nearly one metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The project has also helped Wencheng achieve the top ranking in Zhejiang province for two consecutive years in reducing carbon emissions per kilowatt-hour.
