Bohai aquatic market adopts power brain

As year-end approaches, Bohai aquatic market in Zhucheng, Weifang, is busy with activity, supported by the State Grid Weifang Power Supply Company's innovative "Energy Efficiency Temperature Smart Control Digital Product". This system analyzes real-time energy usage, optimizes equipment consumption, and boosts operational efficiency in order to advance cold chain energy management.

As the largest cold chain logistics center for aquatic products in northern China, Bohai seafood market has a storage capacity of 1 million metric tons. Its inland location near Qingdao and Rizhao ports allows it to source seafood from across China and international markets. However, challenges like limited transportation and high logistics costs remain, especially as e-commerce growth accelerates.

State Grid Weifang employees visit Bohai aquatic market to assess electricity demand and inspect equipment. [Photo provided by Ge Yongqing/for chinadaily.com.cn]

State Grid Weifang and Zhucheng power supply company formed a team to assess local companies' energy demands and consumption and to provide electricity reports. Customer managers developed energy plans using time-of-use rates, while technical experts supported energy management and digital transformation.

The upload of energy data from Cold Storage 1 on Dec 13 marked the launch of the energy-efficient product, which optimizes equipment control and saves about 107,000 yuan ($14,660) annually across four devices.

The system provides real-time energy monitoring, supports decision-making, reduces inspection frequency, and lowers labor costs, driving energy efficiency and supporting the park's digital transformation.

State Grid Weifang employees visit Bohai aquatic market to assess the usage of digital products and inspect customer electrical equipment. [Photo provided by Zhong Jianning/for chinadaily.com.cn]

State Grid Weifang plans to install this technology in all 145 cold storage locations at the Bohai aquatic market, which will cut energy costs by 10 percent. This project will serve as a model for expanding digital energy solutions across key enterprises and industrial parks in the city.

This year, the company has led innovative efforts, such as the creation of a zero-carbon port, the establishment of a new power system security base, and the first nationwide exercise on renewable snow removal, which amplify its commitment to sustainable development and corporate responsibility.