Ordos in Inner Mongolia is emerging as a model for zero-carbon development. Its international airport now uses a CO₂-based energy system powered by wind and solar resources.
The project offers new possibilities for China Pakistan green energy cooperation. Pakistan is also exploring renewable energy and clean technologies for major infrastructure projects.
Zero-Carbon Technology at Ordos Airport
Ordos Ejin Horo International Airport began operating its new energy system in March 2025. The technology uses carbon dioxide to move and convert energy.
The system draws energy from renewable sources, including wind and solar power. It also uses heat from the air and soil.
As a result, the airport no longer relies on fossil fuels for its energy system. It also operates without fluorocarbon refrigerants and cooling water.
Clean energy now supplies more than 90% of the airport’s total energy consumption. Annual wind and solar power use has exceeded 21 million kWh.
Major Reduction in Energy Use and Emissions
The new system has delivered significant efficiency gains. According to Professor Zhang Xinrong of Peking University Ordos Research Institute of Energy, heating and cooling energy consumption has fallen by 60%.
Meanwhile, airport operating costs have dropped by 50%. Natural gas consumption has also declined by more than 2 million cubic metres annually.
The project has reduced annual carbon emissions by about 9,500 tonnes. It has also eliminated the use of around 3,500 kilograms of fluorocarbon refrigerants.
Before the upgrade, the airport used natural-gas boilers for heating. Separate fluorocarbon-based chillers provided cooling.
Together, those systems produced nearly 9,600 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
From Coal Hub to Clean-Energy Model
Ordos was once closely associated with coal. The Inner Mongolian city holds about one-sixth of China’s coal reserves.
However, the city is now developing a broader low-carbon technology ecosystem. It has established 26 specialised laboratories and incubated 17 companies in emerging energy and related fields.
The city has also secured 28 patents linked to its developing clean-energy technologies.
Hydrogen Storage Supports Renewable Energy
Ordos is also exploring hydrogen as a long-duration energy storage solution. A proposed shared hydrogen facility could become an off-grid zero-carbon industrial park using hydrogen storage.
In addition, a zero-carbon service area already combines hydrogen production and refuelling with ultra-fast charging. It also offers battery- and hydrogen-swapping facilities for heavy trucks.
These projects address a key challenge for renewable energy. Solar and wind power can fluctuate depending on weather conditions.
Hydrogen can help store renewable electricity for longer periods. It can then provide energy when renewable generation falls.
Electric Transport and Smart Mining
Clean-energy development in Ordos extends beyond buildings and industrial parks. Mining operations are already using large electric and hybrid vehicles.
The city has deployed 105-tonne pure-electric mining trucks and 130-tonne hybrid mining trucks.
Furthermore, autonomous transport systems are being tested. A Level 2 human-driven lead truck can guide between one and five autonomous heavy trucks.
The system aims to improve long-distance transport in areas with limited communications coverage and difficult road conditions.
Technology for Desert Management
Ordos is also applying technology to desert management. Six tree-planting robots can operate together in formation.
These technologies combine automation with environmental restoration. They show how renewable energy and advanced machinery can support development in challenging environments.
Zero-Carbon Solutions for Data Centres
The city is also targeting the growing energy needs of data centres. Computing facilities require large amounts of electricity and can consume significant quantities of water for cooling.
Ordos plans to develop zero-carbon solutions for computing centres alongside industrial parks, transport, mines, and desert management.
The New Energy Research Institute is preparing an 800 million yuan investment programme for these four areas. The programme aims to develop demonstration projects that can later be standardised and expanded.
Opportunities for Pakistan-China Cooperation
Ordos’ experience offers potential reference points for Pakistan. Areas such as renewable-powered infrastructure, hydrogen storage, electric transport, and energy-efficient cooling could support future cooperation.
Pakistan could also explore applications for clean energy in airports, industrial zones, mining operations, transport networks, and data centres.
Moreover, cooperation with Chinese institutions and companies could support technology transfer and demonstration projects adapted to Pakistan’s local conditions.
A Broader Green-Energy Partnership
The Ordos model shows how a region once heavily dependent on coal can develop new clean-energy applications. Its airport, transport, mining, hydrogen, and computing projects demonstrate different approaches to reducing carbon intensity.
For Pakistan, these developments create opportunities to expand cooperation with China in renewable energy and clean technology. Such collaboration could support the development of more energy-efficient infrastructure while opening new areas for investment and technology exchange.
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