Ningbo, Zhejiang: Julu Empowers Rural Areas, Ensuring Worry-Free Travel

On September 19, staff from State Grid Ningbo Electric Power Company visited the “Guang-Chu-Chong” integrated power station in Fubei Village, Andong Town, Qianwan New Area, Ningbo, Zhejiang. They conducted a “check-up” on the operation of the new energy vehicle charging station and other electrical equipment, providing solid power supply support to ensure smooth travel for tourists during the National Day holiday.

As the summer heat gradually subsides, the power station is bustling with activity. Many Didi ride-share drivers are charging their vehicles, eating, resting, and chatting, replenishing “energy” for their next long trip. Stepping into this “super station,” one sees rows of neatly arranged photovoltaic panels on the canopy roof, absorbing sunlight and continuously converting it into electricity. Beneath the canopy, 96 parking spaces are lined up, with 12 fast-charging stations for new energy vehicles, 1 super fast-charging station, and 1 energy storage unit located in the southeast corner. This multifunctional parking lot, integrating photovoltaic power generation, “valley charging–peak discharge” energy storage, and new energy vehicle charging, serves as a resting platform for outdoor workers and has become a popular check-in spot in the village.

In 2024, Fubei Village, Andong Town, was successfully designated a “Provincial Future Village.” Backed by popular tourist attractions such as the New Area National Wetland Park, Fantawild Oriental Odyssey, Oriental Dawn, and the “Boonie Bears” theme park, the village’s tourism industry rapidly developed. To address issues such as new energy vehicles struggling to find charging stations, charging stations remaining unused, or lacking management, State Grid Ningbo Electric Power Company pioneered a “rural charging station” model integrating infrastructure construction, commercial operation, and collaborative governance. Fubei Village became the first pilot site, with multiple stakeholders providing technical support, subsidies, and funding, creating Ningbo’s first village-level integrated “photovoltaic–storage–charging” power station.

In May 2024, the integrated “photovoltaic–storage–charging” power station officially commenced operation, generating 260,000 kWh of electricity annually, with an average of 700 kWh of “green power” produced daily. Electricity generated by the photovoltaic panels is prioritized for the charging stations, while surplus power is fed into the nearby public grid. To enhance the flexibility and security of the power supply, the station is also equipped with an intelligent energy storage system with a capacity of 200 kWh. During low-demand periods, electricity is stored, and during peak periods, it is discharged to the grid via the substation, promptly filling any gaps and making “electricity freedom” a reality.

Since the completion of Fubei Village’s integrated “photovoltaic–storage–charging” power station over a year ago, it has attracted more than 32,000 charging sessions, effectively solving the problem of rural vehicle charging. Through the joint efforts of State Grid Ningbo Electric Power Company and the Fubei Village Committee, the station has gradually developed a rural cultural display wall and a cool resting area. The daily flow of visitors has boosted sales of local agricultural products and promoted rural tourism, gradually showcasing a path toward harmonious and shared prosperity in the countryside.

Empowered by “green” energy, Ningbo now has 33 rural charging stations, with plans to achieve full coverage of all villages by 2025. In the future, the “rural charging station” model is expected to expand beyond Zhejiang, spreading nationwide to support the construction of harmonious and prosperous rural communities.(By Jie Sun/Cong Wu/Jincong Tong)