Wuhan Goes Low-carbon
Rebirth in Low-carbon Development
Wuhan is the base of the Wuhan Iron and Steel (Group) Corporation, one of China’s largest iron producers. Aside from its contributions to local coffers, it was also the largest pollutor in the province. For too long, eight towering chimneys dominated Wuhan’s skyline, spewing toxic yellowish smoke all year round. Whenever there was a wind, a pungent sulfuric odor filled the air all over the city. Local residents once joked that even the sparrows flying over Wuhan would be coated in grime.
Things are different today. Starting in 2010, Wuhan Iron and Steel has invested RMB 1.5 billion or more every year in energy saving and emission reduction. Waste heat is captured to generate electricity, and wastewater recycled. In this way the volume of energy generated by waste reclamation even exceeds that consumed in the process of production. Wang Xibin, vice-general manager of Hubei Emission Exchange and deputy chief of the development planning division of Wuhan Iron and Steel, views expenditure on energy saving and emission reduction as an investment rewarded with cost savings.
The company has launched an afforestation campaign in its factory environs over recent years, expanding its green coverage to 3.73 square kilometers. Research has shown that forests have beneficial air-cooling effects on urban areas, lowering summer temperatures by as much as 5.64°C.
Wuhan Iron and Steel was listed on the Hubei Emission Exchange in August 2013, and later founded a separate branch to handle its carbon properties. “We are also working on the development of Chinese Certified Emission Reduction (CCER),” Wang said.
Eight of the 25 iron and steel makers in Hubei have joined the carbon-emission quota system. Since 2011 the province has reduced outdated steel production capacity by 3.61 million tons. “The provincial government has set up a RMB 20 million fund for low-carbon development, to finance experimental projects in this regard. All enterprises running energy-saving and emission-reduction programs are eligible for subsidies from the fund,” Tian Qi added.
