Energy construction SOEs boost green efforts

China's State-owned energy construction companies are stepping up efforts to boost the green transition, after this year's Government Work Report proposed to accelerate green transformation in all areas of economic and social development, said senior executives of the enterprises.

Deep in the Qinling Mountains, a megaproject implemented by the China National Chemical Engineering Group stands as a testament to this green commitment. The project, which involves the systematic governance of mountains, rivers, forests and wetlands, has revitalized 5,285 hectares of land.

While attending this year's two sessions, Mo Dingge, chairman of CNCEC, said that China's chemical engineering industry has been evolving at a rapid pace. "The scope of chemical engineering is broad, and ecological protection is now a key part of our main responsibility," Mo said, adding that the company will continue maintaining the Qinling project to fulfill the mission of green development.

In the energy sector, the harmony between industry and nature offers surprising benefits. Lu Tiezhong, chairman of China National Nuclear Power, shared an intriguing detail on the sidelines of this year's two sessions — pearl mussels living near the warm drainage outlets of nuclear power plants are producing high-quality pearls due to the suitable water temperature.

"If you visit any of our nuclear power plants, you'll find they are just like well-tended gardens," Lu said. "We hold to the belief that there is no such thing as waste — only resources that have been misplaced. When utilized properly, everything can be a valuable resource."

For 2026, the Government Work Report outlines tasks to strengthen comprehensive ecological governance and vigorously develop a green, low-carbon economy.

This shift is influencing urban planning. Feng Yuan, chief engineer at China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute, emphasized that the construction sector — a major carbon emitter — must evolve. She envisioned future "good houses" that are not only structurally safe, but also built with green materials that can perceive and serve user needs.

Meanwhile, energy leaders are mapping out a "stereoscopic" future.

Jiang Yi, chairman of China Huadian Corp, called for the "New Energy Plus" integration. He stressed the need to cultivate the green hydrogen industry and explore new-generation nuclear power to ensure the safety of the new power system.

Similarly, Yang Changli, chairman of China General Nuclear Power Corp, depicted a fusion of industries. He highlighted "photovoltaics plus agriculture" models that turn barren lands into oases, and "marine ranching plus offshore wind power" projects that create "blue granaries" in the ocean.

These visions are already becoming reality on the ground. In Hotan, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, a massive project is using biological and photovoltaic technologies to control sand across 1,467 hectares, turning deserts into power stations. In Jilin province, new projects are achieving a full green cycle of wind-solar hydrogen production, opening new paths for industrial decarbonization, according to Yang.

According to the Government Work Report, energy consumption per unit of GDP dropped by 5.1 percent in 2025, signaling continuous improvement in ecological quality.