Construction begins on a green intelligent manufacturing project in Laiwu district, Jinan, East China's Shandong province on Feb 12. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Construction began on a green intelligent manufacturing project, supported by Laiwu district and Shandong Heavy Industry Group, on Feb 12 in Laiwu district, Jinan, East China's Shandong province.

With a total investment of 153.5 billion yuan ($22.24 billion), the project is the most expensive and largest project in Jinan, and is expected to have a higher output than any other project as well.

Covering an area of 30.52 square kilometers, the project will be constructed in three phases in a planned time frame of five to eight years.

The first phase of the project will cover an area of 9.9 sq kilometers, with a total investment of 42.5 billion yuan.

It will serve as a testing ground for intelligent forklifts, intelligent logistics equipment, and heavy trucks and will also feature high-end international cooperation projects, investment promotion centers, and a supported living area.

Officials said that it will have an output value of 80.5 billion yuan after completed.

The second phase of the project will cover an area of 7.46 sq kilometers, with an investment of 46 billion yuan and an expected output value of 89.5 billion yuan. It will focus on building new energy buses, excavators and the second-generation heavy trucks.

The third-phrase will cover an area of 13.16 sq kilometers, with carry a price tag of 65 billion yuan and an expected output value of 130 billion yuan. It will promote the construction of supporting enterprises.

Officials said the green intelligent manufacturing project will facilitate the city's industrial transformation and upgrading and promote high-quality development.