The PV power system on these warehouses generate close to 2,400 tons of coal per year. Installed on unused spaces such as the warehouse roof, the solar power system enables Cainiao to produce its own electricity to support warehouse operations while contributing towards the State Grid, China’s electric utility corporation, for broader usage. This safeguards the energy supply for the warehouses, and helps to reduce the cost of energy consumption, save energy, and reduce carbon emissions.
In the warehouse in Xiasha, the electrical output is then used to power energy-efficient operation systems. For example, the energy-saving lighting system measures the amount of light within the warehouse via sensors in real-time to automatically adjust the number of lights to switch on. Energysaving conveyor belts will also be able to automatically start or stop the motor based on the real-time parcel volume.
"The successful launch of Cainiao’s first warehouse zone with a photovoltaic power generation system is just the beginning of sustainable measures that we have planned. We aim to build an eco-friendly global logistics network for our merchants and brands across the globe to reduce carbon footprints together,” shared Sun Beibei, General Manager, Global Supply Chain, Import Business, Cainiao.
By 2023, Cainiao and its partner ecosystem is expected to install rooftop PV generation systems on Cainiao’s bonded warehouses that spans a total of 500,000 square meters. While striving to reduce carbon emissions along other aspects of the logistics value chain including storage, computing, packaging and delivery, Cainiao aims to establish an industry benchmark on green logistics through the utilization of renewable energy and amplification of recycling capabilities.
