China's domestically developed gas turbine Jupiter I, the world's first 30MW-class pure hydrogen gas turbine, has on Sunday achieved pure hydrogen power generation and maintained stable operation in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, offering a key solution for renewable energy storage and utilization.
The gas turbine Jupiter I is the world's largest single-unit power pure hydrogen generator, capable of converting hydrogen from storage tanks back into electricity during peak demand periods, according to the Mingyang Group.
It has effectively solved the problem of consuming surplus electricity from new energy sources, and provides an integrated solution that is feasible and scalable for building a new energy system with new energy as the main power source. It has been selected as one of the first batch of national-level hydrogen energy pilot projects in the energy field.
"Compared with a thermal power unit of equivalent capacity, the Jupiter I pure hydrogen gas turbine reduces carbon emissions by more than 200,000 tons annually. In combined-cycle operation, it generates 48,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per hour, which can meet the daily power needs of 5,500 households," said Wang Yongzhi, general manager of Mingyang Hydrogen Gas Turbine Technology.
The project will effectively mitigate fluctuations in renewable energy output, enhance grid regulation capabilities, provide a replicable model for energy transition practices, and contribute to building a national-level hydrogen energy demonstration zone, according to its operator.
Renewable energy installations in China account for over 50 percent of the nation's total power generation capacity. The country has pledged to peak its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
World's first 30MW-class pure hydrogen gas turbine put into operation
A large number of international guests have been drawn to Ninghai County in east China's Zhejiang Province, immersing themselves in the culture of its villages and enjoying warm welcomes from local people eager to share their traditional practices.
Recently, a traditional long-table banquet was held in the county's Qiantong Ancient Town, an exceptionally well-preserved town built during the Song Dynasty (960–1279).
Given the rising popularity of rural tourism in China, it was no surprise that the 300 tickets for the event sold out within a few minutes. However, local organizers had not expected the event to bring so many guests from overseas to the 200-meter-long table.
"I especially like the tall (long) table, it's actually a new experience for me," said an international visitor.
"The atmosphere here is lively and I really like it. The dishes arrived still hot, crispy and delicious," said another overseas guest.
Inspired by the stories of Xu Xiake, an explorer and travel writer from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), more than 100 overseas students also visited old villages in the county, where they learned traditional crafting techniques like paper cutting.
"I can experience traditional culture and I also like that in this village. There are some old traditional things," said an overseas student.
"This place is so beautiful, with many delicious foods," another student said.
The students also learned to make a kind of traditional dessert that symbolizes good wishes for longevity.
"It's my first time to see it. It's very interesting. I want to learn new things," said one of the students.
"I feel really amazed there, really happy. I was really enjoying this experience to do it," said another.
Local people were more than willing to share these ancient practices with young people from around the world.
"Through hands-on experience, our foreign friends can more easily understand our traditional culture. Our communication like this is more sincere and unforgettable," said Liang Lanlan, an intangible cultural heritage inheritor.
Traditional culture in east China county draws international guests
