Powering the Heritage of Wuzhou Kiln

Recently, Hanzao Village in Yafan Town, Jinhua, has been bustling with activity. Groups of students in school uniforms have been entering the China Wuzhou Kiln Museum, curiously surrounding the workshop of Chen Xinhua, a national-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor. The wheel hums as it spins, and the indicator lights of the electric kiln flicker rhythmically. Under the guidance of the master, the students are trying to glaze the unfired clay pieces, and the unique scent of wood ash glaze fills the air. Behind this vibrant educational activity, a stable power supply is injecting new vitality into the preservation of the ancient Wuzhou Kiln.

The history of Wuzhou Kiln dates back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and its firing techniques require highly precise temperature control. Traditional dragon kilns relied on manual experience to control the fire, which was labor-intensive and resulted in a low yield of finished products. In response to these challenges, the State Grid Jinhua Power Supply Company, adapting to modern needs, built a dedicated 250-kilowatt transformer for the Wuzhou Kiln base, solving the issue of unstable power supply. “In the past, firing the dragon kiln was all about timing the fire; now, the electric kiln is fully controlled by intelligent temperature regulation, and the yield has increased by more than 30%,” said Chen Xinhua, a national-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor.

With the advancement of the “carbon peak and carbon neutrality” goals, the State Grid Jinhua Power Supply Company has actively promoted the “electric kiln” energy substitution technology tailored to the characteristics of Wuzhou Kiln. The company has conducted multiple visits and surveys, customized power supply solutions based on the firing process, and guided enterprises to use electric kilns for bisque firing and mid-to-low-temperature glazing. Now, the electric kilns replace up to 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month, which is equivalent to reducing the combustion of 7,280 tons of standard coal and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 19,450 tons. This not only reduces production costs but also supports green production, making the electric kiln the “modern kiln god” safeguarding the ancient kiln fire.

To better preserve intangible cultural heritage (ICH) skills, the State Grid Jinhua Power Supply Company has taken proactive steps to continuously optimize the business environment. They have established a “one-on-one” service mechanism, regularly inspecting electrical equipment and promptly addressing issues such as aging wiring and insufficient load, ensuring smooth operation of the kilns. For the Wuzhou Kiln Museum and the ICH Town project, they have proactively planned power supply facilities to meet the electricity needs of exhibitions, experiences, and other activities, contributing to the integration of culture and tourism development.

“The power department not only ensures a stable power supply but also helps us calculate the environmental and heritage preservation benefits,” said Chen Xinhua. With the support of electric kilns, Wuzhou Kiln products have expanded from traditional utensils to the cultural and creative industry, attracting more young people to participate in the production process.

Today, under the protection of stable electricity, Wuzhou Kiln retains its ancient charm while integrating modern environmental protection concepts. The State Grid Jinhua Power Supply Company will continue to explore the potential of “electricity substitution,” acting as a “power nanny” to ensure that the ancient kiln fire continues to burn brightly in the new era.(By Xu Kang)