![What role do zero-emission sanitation trucks play in China [CGTN]](https://i0.wp.com/usachinatrading.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/What-role-do-zero-emission-sanitation-trucks-play-in-China-CGTN.png?resize=525%2C296&ssl=1)
China is walking the talk in its commitment to curb climate change by shifting to low-carbon emission vehicles for its public transportation system, and sanitation vehicles are no exception. Liu Yanpeng, a sanitation truck driver working at Ourland Environmental Protection Technology in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province, goes to work every day with his “green partner.”
“My first drive in this eco-friendly sweeper was about two years ago,” Liu told CGTN. He said the first time he saw the new energy trucks, it looked “hard to handle from its appearance.” “But I was wrong. It’s easy to follow,” added Liu, who operates one of 200 special zero-carbon trucks procured by his company.
“With two engines, the old sanitation trucks were noisy. Residents complained about them. They ran on fuel, a big producer of carbon emissions,” Liu continued, adding that the battery-powered sweepers have solved the problem, as they are zero-emission and convenient to operate.
Optimized operation
As the days grow colder, trees are shedding their leaves. Requests have been pouring in for trucks to come around and haul them away. Zhao Liqiang, regional director of Ourland, told CGTN about their arrangements of new energy sanitation trucks for the autumn season. “Fallen leaves vary from street to street. In some blocks with many leaves, we need to optimize the organization of different sizes of sanitation trucks,” Zhao said. “For example, the large ones will be arranged to sweep the roadway first, then the smaller cars flush the sidewalks to clean what’s left,” he added.
Costly alternative
As China strives to meet its commitment to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve full carbon neutrality by 2060, it has encouraged the integration of new tech with the transport sector. The “green” sanitation trucks in Liu’s company are just one example. However, that’s not to say there are no limitations on these trucks. Pei Tong, technical support manager of Zhengzhou Yutong Heavy Industries Company, briefed CGTN about the possible underlying issues. “Costs now are especially a problem,” said Pei, adding that the acquisition cost of “green” sanitation trucks is higher than fuel trucks.
Digital technology
China has advocated new energy technology, even for sanitation, in line with its carbon reduction policies. Data shows that the new energy use in sanitation has grown by 44 percent since 2016. The use of big data has enabled companies like Pei’s to optimize the trucks’ use and contribute to green efforts. Responding to the call of development, Pei said his company has adopted a cloud platform to identify its sanitation status and take targeted measures to launch suitable sweepers. With big data analysis, the manager said the platform can schedule trucks to places where they are needed the most. “It saves time and cuts costs,” Pei explained, which helps tackle the cost problem. The charging facilities, which have long been a main concern for new energy car owners, don’t seem to pose the same problems for Pei’s business. The total number of sanitation trucks is far less than private cars so available charging stations are able to meet the demand. As China has started to witness the positive changes brought by low carbon usages, experts believe the development of advanced energy technology will bring new economic opportunities and create more jobs in the future.