'Pop star' Benben drops into Dinghai Ancient Town — A green party full of energy

On May 13, the commercial district of Dinghai Ancient Town in Zhoushan came alive as the State Grid Zhoushan Power Supply Company launched its "Powering a Better Future" campaign. Featuring a dancing "celebrity" robot and interactive eco-themed activities, the event invited the public to become "Green Partners," attracting large crowds of residents and tourists alike.

Robot steals the spotlight as "Green Partners" gather

That afternoon, in front of the ancient city wall of Dinghai, the humanoid robot "Benben", dressed in a State Grid "Green Power Ark" vest, instantly became the center of attention. Dancing to a mix of classic songs and popular hits, the robot delivered an energetic performance that quickly made it the event's biggest attraction.

"This robot is so interesting. It not only dances, but also tells stories about bird conservation. It caught my attention immediately," said Ms. Zhu, a tourist from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, while recording videos on her phone. She had originally been passing through the ancient town, but was drawn in by the lively atmosphere. Through Benben's introduction, she learned for the first time about the Chinese crested tern and gained a deeper understanding of Zhoushan's ecological conservation efforts.

Many visitors gathered around to interact with Benben, listening to stories about the protection of the Chinese crested tern — known as the "mythical bird" — and learning more about State Grid's "Green Power Ark" public welfare initiative.

The Chinese crested tern is one of the world's rarest seabirds, with fewer than 200 adult birds remaining globally. Once believed extinct for nearly half a century, it is now regarded as a symbol of successful species conservation. Every breeding season, the birds return to the Wuzhishan Archipelago in Zhoushan to nest and breed.

To help protect this critically endangered species, State Grid Zhoushan Power Supply Company launched the "Green Power Ark" public welfare project in 2023. By applying clean energy technologies, the project provides stable and reliable electricity for bird conservation work on the islands, supporting biodiversity protection efforts.

The event also several international visitors, who joined local residents in participating in the green-themed activities.

In the interactive zone, visitors lined up for games and experiences. At the "Ring for Green" tossing game, cheers erupted as participants aimed for eco-themed prizes, each representing hopes for a greener future. Nearby, the "Green Partner Registration Area" became another popular photo spot, where visitors captured memorable moments after officially joining the initiative.

Beyond the festivities, the mission of "powering a better future" continues

Behind the lively atmosphere of the ancient town lies three years of dedicated conservation work.

Far from the city center, another group of "Green Partners" has been quietly safeguarding the ecology of the Wuzhishan Archipelago.

"In the early stages of the project, we faced many challenges, including difficult island construction conditions, severe salt corrosion, and the need to avoid disturbing sensitive bird habitats," said a project representative from State Grid Zhoushan Power Supply Company. "Every step required tremendous effort."

After three years of continuous work, the archipelago now operates an off-grid microgrid system integrating photovoltaic power generation, diesel backup, and energy storage. A 47.7-kilowatt solar array and a 200-kilowatt-hour battery storage system function as a "green power bank," supplying uninterrupted clean electricity to monitoring equipment and research facilities around the clock, while ensuring minimal disturbance to bird habitats.

According to the project team, the sustained conservation efforts have led to a steady increase in the Chinese crested tern population in the Wuzhishan Archipelago. The site has also achieved a world-first milestone, with successful chick breeding occurring simultaneously on two islands.

"Through the 'Green Power Ark + Green Partner' model, we hope to bring the story of bird conservation from the islands into the everyday lives of the public," the representative said. "We want biodiversity protection to move beyond nature reserves and inspire more people to become active participants in ecological conservation."

State Grid Zhoushan Power Supply Company designates May each year as its "Social Responsibility Week," organizing public open-house events and community engagement activities to respond to social concerns and promote sustainable development. The "Powering a Better Future" campaign is one of the company's signature activities during the week, showcasing how technology and public welfare can work together to advance environmental awareness and biodiversity protection.

The event will continue through May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity. During this period, visitors are welcome to explore the interactive exhibits at Dinghai Ancient Town, become "Green Partners," and learn more about the "Green Power Ark" initiative — contributing their own efforts to help safeguard the home of the "mythical bird."