The nation's largest photovoltaic energy storage and charging station is unveiled in Anji county, Huzhou. [Photo/hz66.com]

Anji county in Huzhou has taken another step forward in optimizing its energy mix by unveiling the nation's largest photovoltaic energy storage and charging station.

Located in Anshan village, Dipu sub-district, the station spans 106 mu ( about 7 hectares), featuring a photovoltaic power generation capacity of 4.2 megawatts and an energy storage capacity of 8,388 kilowatt-hours. It is equipped with 30 rapid charging piles, 400 adjustable piles, and two battery swapping stations, tailored to meet the charging needs of up to 400 engineering vehicles simultaneously.

The facility serves as an essential component of a comprehensive energy supply project launched by the local government to facilitate the electrification of engineering transport vehicles countywide.

Electric engineering vehicles, a primary focus of the initiative, offer a trifecta of benefits over their traditional diesel counterparts: reduced carbon emissions, improved performance, and cost-effectiveness. A comparative analysis reveals that while diesel vehicles accumulate an annual fuel cost of approximately 160,000 yuan ($22,090), electric vehicles incur just over 30,000 yuan in electricity expenses.

Commenting on the infrastructure, a spokesperson from the Anji Transportation Investment Group stated, "Our intelligent charging system allows for scheduled automatic charging. By simply plugging in the charging cable each evening, drivers enable the system to charge automatically during off-peak hours, reducing costs and eliminating wait times."

In addition to the current station, plans are in motion to establish three more in Anji, complemented by strategically positioned nodal stations within the primary road network to create a robust supplementary energy grid. Upon full implementation, any construction site in the county equipped with earthmoving vehicles can promptly access the nearest energy charging point within 10 minutes, ensuring swift recharging in just 30 minutes.