Haiyang generates Shandong's first nuclear-powered electricity and establishes itself as the nation's first zero-carbon heating city. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

By pioneering nuclear heating and offshore wind power, Haiyang in Shandong province has become a leading clean energy hub in northern China. The city now operates the country's first zero-carbon nuclear heating system and ranks first among Shandong's county-level regions in clean energy capacity.

This winter marks Haiyang's seventh season of nuclear-powered heating, providing warmth to 400,000 residents in Haiyang and neighboring Rushan. Since 2019, the "Warm Nuclear No 1" project has cut coal use by 1.29 million metric tons and reduced CO2 emissions by 2.36 million tons. The local nuclear plant has generated over 138 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, with two new units set to expand output by 2027.

Offshore wind farms, including the Shandong Peninsula South No 3 project, steadily supply green power to the grid. Backed by a strong local supply chain — such as Shandong Nuclear Equipment Manufacturing — Haiyang has attracted 27 major clean energy firms, with annual output nearing 17 billion yuan ($2.36 billion).

Under the Dingziwan New Energy Innovation Zone plan, the city is developing clusters focusing on aerospace, equipment, and green manufacturing. By integrating nuclear, wind, solar, hydrogen, and storage, Haiyang is charting a sustainable path forward that supports regional decarbonization and national climate goals.