State Grid Zhoushan: 80 years of heroic legacy and sustainable innovation

Recently, Marcus,donor of the historical photographs documenting the Lisbon Maru incident,visited Zhoushan and Dongji Island as a "witness across time," tracing the enduring spirit that links a wartime rescue to today's modern energy security. In the same waters where Dongji fishermen risked their lives to save British prisoners of war more than 80 years ago, State Grid Zhoushan Power Company is writing a new chapter of dedication and guardianship under the "State Grid Blue".

A promise refined on the front line: "Electricity of the people, for the people"

Time has passed, yet the commitment remains steadfast. On Dongji Island—once so dark that residents "felt their way home at night"—a new generation of power workers is carrying the torch. Jiang Haiyun, former head of the Dongji Power Supply Station, safeguarded the island's power supply for more than 30 years, witnessing firsthand the challenging era of diesel-generated electricity.
"When I first arrived, there was almost nothing. No electricity during the day. At night, we relied on diesel generators, and even then, the power only lasted four hours," he recalled.

In those days, the responsibility of power workers extended far beyond maintaining electricity:

Replacing broken lightbulbs for elderly residents,

Carrying patients down the mountain for medical care,

Rushing to the scene during fires.

For Dongji residents, the power company's phone number was a lifeline.

The principle of "People's electricity for the people" became a bond of trust forged through countless acts of service around the clock.

Legacy passed from mentor to apprentice

This spirit of dedication has been handed down from one generation to the next.

Wang Chunyin, now head of the Dongji Power Service Station and apprentice of Jiang Haiyun, vividly remembers following his mentor on late-night repairs.
"At first, I didn't understand why he stayed on the island for so many years," he said. "But when you work here long enough, you begin to understand what this responsibility means."

From emergency repairs to ensuring stable medical electricity supply, from supporting tourism growth to assisting with daily needs, power workers have become more than technicians—they have become trusted guardians woven into the fabric of island life.

A leap in protection: smart grids power a "vessel of light"

With technological progress, the way electricity guards the island has undergone a profound transformation.

The frequent blackouts of the diesel-generator era are now history with the establishment of China's first self-healing smart microgrid for offshore islands.
This pioneering system can automatically detect, isolate, and restore faults, ensuring zero-carbon, 24-hour power supply across the island.

Meanwhile:

A 380-meter cross-sea transmission tower stands as a steel sentinel linking the island to the mainland grid;

A tidal energy power station draws clean electricity from the ocean;

A robust hybrid system—main grid support combined with self-healing microgrid resilience—forms a comprehensive energy security network.

Together, they demonstrate Zhoushan Power's resolve and capacity for technological innovation, etched across the sea and sky.

Light that illuminates not only the island, but the future

"The kindness on this island has never vanished. It has simply evolved—from emergency rescue to long-term protection, from instinctive acts to a systematic commitment," said Marcus, reflecting on his visit.

Stable, reliable electricity has brought new vitality to Dongji Island:

Boutique inns flourish along the coast,

Young entrepreneurs are returning home,

The island's unique culture is reaching the world.

Electricity has not only dispelled the darkness—it has sparked hope and powered development.

Through technology and responsibility, State Grid Zhoushan Power Company has transformed the spirit of compassion shown 80 years ago into a modern force supporting island revitalization, common prosperity, and China's dual-carbon goals.

"Kindness has never left these waters—it has simply taken on a new form, continuing to brighten our lives."

From heroic rescue to sustainable illumination, Zhoushan Power continues to uphold a promise that transcends time—an enduring pledge to safeguard the island with unwavering light.