As temperatures gradually drop, the annual heating season is drawing near. With heating season approaching, numerous "coal-to-gas" projects focusing on clean heating in Qingdao are entering the final stage of construction. At the site of the Qingdao Xujia Dongshan Heat Source Project, reporters saw that the once towering smokestacks have disappeared, replaced by spacious and bright modern factory buildings. Multiple old coal-fired boilers have officially "retired," replaced by several new gas-fired boilers. Currently, the flue ducts are being installed, and they will be put into operation in this winter's heating season.

　　Starting last year, Qingdao launched a clean energy heating project, "coal-to-gas," planning to shut down a total of 56 coal-fired boilers and build 32 new gas-fired boilers in the east coast urban area within three years. According to the Municipal Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau, 13 coal-fired boilers were shut down last year, and 4 gas-fired boilers were built. As of now, 19 coal-fired boilers have been shut down this year, with plans to complete 15 gas-fired boilers before the heating season and strive to complete 21 by the end of the year.

　　With the help of a crane, four gas-fired boiler bodies were hoisted and installed in late September. Now, more than 100 workers are performing their respective duties, working on the gas boiler flue ducts and pressure regulating equipment. Soon, clean energy that achieves carbon reduction will deliver heat to thousands of households.

　　This is the second batch of "coal-to-gas" projects launched by the Qingdao Xujia Dongshan Heat Source Project. The two gas-fired boilers completed last year were put into operation during the previous heating season. After the four gas-fired boilers are put into operation this year, the Xujia Dongshan Heat Source Project will complete its "coal-to-gas" transformation. According to Zhang Yimeng, the on-site person in charge of the Xujia Dongshan Heat Source Replacement Project of Qingdao Energy Power Group, the original six coal-fired boilers had an actual heating capacity of only over 3 million square meters, covering only about 1/3 of Shibei District. After the "coal-to-gas" conversion, the six 70-megawatt gas-fired boilers have a total power of 420 megawatts, with a maximum heating area of nearly 12 million square meters, covering the entire Shibei District. In addition, it can reduce coal consumption by 92,800 tons and carbon dioxide emissions by 110,000 tons annually, resulting in significant environmental benefits.

　　It is reported that after the completion of the "coal-to-gas" heat source replacement project, the removal of the coal conveyor, desulfurization tower, cooling tower, dust collector, and large chimney at the Xujia Dongshan plant area will save half of the area. The next step is to comprehensively develop and utilize the idle land in the plant area, separating the coal depot and rebuilding it into a comprehensive service venue open to surrounding communities.

　　Under the background of "dual carbon," Qingdao has included the "coal-to-gas" conversion of coal-fired boilers in the urban heating system into the 2022 municipal government's practical matters and the three-year intensive action plan for urban renewal and construction. As the first national pilot city for green urban construction and development, accelerating the reduction of coal and carbon in Qingdao during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period is imperative.

　　After the completion of "coal-to-gas," the most direct result is the reduction of coal consumption and carbon emissions, achieving zero emissions of particulate matter (PM) and sulfur dioxide. At the same time, it will reduce a large number of heavy coal transport trucks entering the urban area each year, significantly reducing air pollution, traffic congestion, road damage from heavy vehicles, spillage along the way, dust, and other problems. Air quality will be significantly improved. In the east coast urban area alone, it will reduce coal consumption by 1.25 million tons, carbon dioxide emissions by 1.06 million tons, dust by 87 tons, sulfur dioxide by 492 tons, nitrogen oxides by 561 tons, and coal slag by 185,000 tons annually; reducing approximately 73,000 trips of heavy trucks transporting coal and slag, as well as pollution emissions caused by coal yard dust.

　　To ensure that this people's livelihood project achieves tangible results, we will take the opportunity of the in-depth "Year of Improving Work Style and Capabilities" campaign, focusing on the main line of the three-year intensive action plan for urban renewal and urban construction, adhering to the principles of "standardized work, standardized procedures, and publicized procedures." With the courage to overcome difficulties and the determination to strive for excellence, we will fully promote the clean heating "coal-to-gas" project, so that citizens can have a greater sense of gain, happiness, and security." said Na Zhenyu, director of the Municipal Urban Facilities Construction Office of the Municipal Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau.

　　In the future, a batch of coal-fired boilers for urban heating will be shut down and transformed to ensure that the "coal-to-gas" work in the built-up areas of Shi Nan, Shi Bei, Li Cang, and Lao Shan districts is completed by the end of 2023, basically achieving "coal-free" heating in the east coast urban area. At the same time, all new, modified, and expanded boilers must be non-coal-fired boilers. Comprehensive measures such as "coal-to-gas," industrial waste heat substitution, and biomass transformation will be adopted to scientifically and orderly promote the integration and low-carbon transformation of centralized heating heat sources.