On July 8, a site visit to Taikai Group in Shandong's Tai'an showcased a green energy revolution. Its photovoltaic, storage, and flexible microgrid system — recognized as a national top-10 project — integrates advanced algorithms, electrochemical storage, and phase-change cooling to maximize solar power value.

According to Cai Lixia, director of the city's industry and information technology bureau, the system cut electricity costs by 20 percent at Taikai Group and reduced the payback period to under five years — making it an optimal solution for near-zero-carbon factories.

The technology has now been applied to the city's government building and is expanding to markets in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and beyond.

Unlike traditional rigid microgrids, this flexible system supplies heating and cooling to a 7,000-square-meter office building. By storing energy during off-peak hours and releasing it when needed, it significantly improves efficiency.

Taikai Group's journey reflects Tai'an's broader manufacturing upgrade. Since 2023, the city has steadily advanced digital transformation. Currently, 95.1 percent of industrial enterprises above designated size have adopted digital tools, with 48.9 percent undergoing deep transformation. The city leads the nation with six national-level digital pilot enterprises.

"The right direction drives sustainable growth," Cai said. "Enterprise transformation has moved from hesitation to action, and our focus now is accelerating the pace through demonstration models."

With the industry bureau's full support, Tai'an is confidently pushing toward "intelligent manufacturing".

Leading enterprises open their doors to share expertise, while 55 companies come to learn — together unlocking Tai'an's answer to AI-powered manufacturing. [Photo/Taian Daily]