A circular economy project by China Power Investment Corporation has won the Award of Transformative Step 2014 at the UN Climate Change Conference in Lima, capital of Peru.

It also attracted the attention of environmentalist organizations. Nathaniel Keohane, deputy head of environmental defense, expressed his interest in the project. He said that it is valuable for traditional companies to break up their own limitations, develop alternative resources and cut emissions.

Mengdong Energy Company under China Power Investment Corporation is a traditional energy company that focuses on coal, power generation and electrolytic aluminum. It has been devoted to the demonstration project funded by China’s 863 Program in response to environmental concerns.

By utilizing rich solar and wind resources in the region, the project focuses on lignite’s on-site power generation. This cuts carbon emissions and avoids coal loss resulting from their outbound shipment. The project also includes electrolytic aluminum production facilities that serve as power consumers. A power grid was also built for the electricity to be used locally.

In addition, thermoelectric units have replaced coal furnaces to provide heating to local homes, thus improving energy efficiency and slashing carbon emissions.

Liu Dongsheng, chairman of Mengdong, said the innovative project has cut carbon emissions per ton of aluminum from 16.39 tons in 2010 to 13.91 tons in 2013, registering a 15.13 percent fall.

Edited by Michael Thai