At the Conch Cement plant in Haimen district, Nantong, intelligent packaging workshop robots operate efficiently, new energy mixing trucks shuttle in an orderly manner, and the 2.35-megawatt distributed photovoltaic project continuously supplies green electricity. 

The Conch Cement plant in Haimen district, Nantong. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn] 

As a leading enterprise in the traditional industry, Conch Cement responds to the call for green development. It has invested over 20 million yuan ($2.93 million) to build a smart factory that aims to advance intelligent production processes and promote a green, low-carbon transformation. 

Since its launch in 2022, the distributed photovoltaic project has generated over 9.39 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, achieving a self-consumption rate of over 96 percent, reducing annual external electricity purchases by over 1 million yuan, and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by over 7,000 metric tons. 

The company has also installed three smart charging stations capable of simultaneously charging six new energy-mixing trucks. 

To support traditional industry transformation, the Haimen power supply company has established a specialized service team to proactively engage with the grid connection and construction needs of Conch Cement's photovoltaic and charging projects, providing all-around electric services. Through a digital service platform, all business operations, such as electricity applications and grid connections, can be handled online. 

Stable electric power support enables Haimen Conch Cement products to be exported to over 20 countries and regions. The company will also take part in key project construction in the district. 

As of now, 14 enterprises in Haimen have been recognized as provincial-level advanced smart factories. These include industry leaders such as Conch Cement and Zhongtian Steel, which were originally high-energy consumption industries. The district's 895 enterprises above designated size have basically completed intelligent transformation.