Sinopec sets up integrated solar energy, tea garden project

China Petroleum and Chemical Corp has completed the first integrated solar energy and tea garden project in China's Anhui province as it steps up rural revitalization and green energy development efforts.

The "solar + tea garden" model, which combines photovoltaic solar panels with tea cultivation, is part of the company's strategy to boost sustainable energy solutions while enhancing agricultural productivity, it said.

The project, with an installed capacity of 19.8 megawatts, is expected to generate over 30 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity annually, helping to save about 9,000 metric tons of standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 20,000 tons per year, it said.

The photovoltaic panels above the tea fields allow for simultaneous solar power generation and tea cultivation below. This model maximizes land use efficiency, reduces land costs, and provides an optimal growing environment for tea plants.

The shade from the panels helps to regulate temperature and humidity, fostering a better environment for tea trees, enhancing the synthesis of amino acids, and ultimately improving both the yield and quality of the tea, it said.

By incorporating advanced technologies such as drones, thermal imaging, and AI-driven systems, the project also increases operational efficiency and reduces overall operating costs.

zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn