Weihai pioneers smart heating upgrades for warmer winter

With the winter heating season fast approaching, Weihai is using a smart heating plan to keep residents warm before it gets cold. The city is upgrading its network with digital management, better infrastructure, and a cleaner energy mix.

With the winter heating season fast approaching, Weihai is using a smart heating plan to keep residents warm before it gets cold. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

At the smart heating dispatch center of Weihai Thermal Power Cooperation, a big digital screen shows the real-time status of over 6,400 kilometers of pipelines and 1,700 heat exchange stations. The platform displays temperature, flow, and pressure, enabling rapid adjustments to maintain consistent service during peak demand.

This digital focus is supported by significant physical upgrades completed throughout the year. The utility finished nearly 150 technical improvements on boilers and generating units, enhanced dozens of heating stations, and updated over 150 kilometers of pipelines, including large stretches of aging residential networks. The company has also stocked up 620,000 metric tons of coal, ensuring sufficient fuel for early-season operations.

Weihai is diversifying its energy mix, with new projects to add nuclear energy, natural gas, and other clean energy sources to the grid. This plan aims to build a safer, more resilient heating system for reliable heat even during bad weather.

City officials say these upgrades are part of a plan to make heating smarter and more responsive. By using digital tools, cleaner energy, and a stronger infrastructure, Weihai is ensuring residents feel the warmth of winter earlier. (Edited by Hu Kaili)