Zhang Yu JeniZhang13@163.com SHENZHEN aims to establish itself as a global pioneer in digital energy, according to a white paper released at the opening of the 2025 International Digital Energy Expo at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District on Thursday. The 50,000-sqm expo, which will run through Sunday, has drawn more than 2,000 enterprises from over 50 countries to showcase over 300 cutting-edge technologies in the global energy sector’s digital transformation. The “2025 Shenzhen Digital Energy White Paper” sets out three flagship initiatives for the city: a next-generation “Super Charging City 2.0,” an integrated power charging-storage-discharge network, and a cloud-based virtual power plant management platform. The white paper details that these will be achieved by establishing four major centers, cultivating industrial leaders ranking among the top 100, and developing 10 key solutions. “Shenzhen is no comparison. I could say, at least 10 years, if not 20 years ahead from the other cities I’ve seen,” said Mohammed Siraj, a representative from Kuwait-based Abdul Razzaq Al-Sane & Sons Group. This marks his first visit to both Shenzhen and the expo, who has traveled from Kuwait specifically to explore energy solutions for his firm’s expanding data center operations. Norbert D?rgeloh from Alensy Energy Solutions, a Namibian company specializing in utility-scale solar plants and battery storage systems, was invited to the expo by Huawei, one of his company’s key suppliers, to explore the latest developments in renewable energy technology. “China is leading by far, especially in renewable energy,” D?rgeloh said, noting that in renewable energy storage and solar models, “they are definitely leading.” Shenzhen’s own advancements were highlighted as a model. The city, which is the world’s first major metropolis to achieve full electrification of its public bus fleet, now boasts more supercharging stations than traditional gas stations, forming the densest urban charging network in the world. The event has also attracted official delegations from Arab countries, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, and others, who are sharing their regional energy transition experiences and investment opportunities. | 