Despite the approaching Spring Festival, construction continues at the Zhonghao Energy Island project in the Hondlon Economic Development Zone. As Baotou's first industrial heat and gas supply project, it will use solar and hydrogen energy to provide stable utilities for key enterprises such as China Northern Rare Earth (Group) High-Tech Co.

In response to growing demand for water, electricity, and heat, the zone has accelerated infrastructure development, including 48.5 kilometers of new roads and 35 kilometers of pipelines. A new 220-kilovolt substation and water purification plant have also been completed. 

These efforts have attracted 200 companies with a total output value exceeding 90 billion yuan ($12.33 billion), spanning sectors such as photovoltaic energy, wind power equipment, and rare earth new materials. In 2025, the zone will begin 37 new key projects and further improve utility networks to support its goal of becoming a 100-billion-yuan-level industrial hub.