China, Brazil see closer cooperation in green development

China and Brazil are cooperating more closely than ever on green energy projects, with some Chinese companies using their technical and management know-how to partner with Brazilian stakeholders to unleash the potential of the South American country's renewable energy sources.

The Xingu Rio±800kV Ultra-High Voltage Direct Current (UATCC) Belo Monte Power Transmission Project is one such project which uses the abundant hydropower resources of the Amazon Basin in northern Brazil to satisfy the huge energy needs of densely-populated southeastern Brazil.

Since being put into operation in 2017 and 2019, the Phase I and Phase II projects have boosted local economic and social development and the low-carbon energy transformation, and provided a "Chinese solution" for the security, stability and efficiency of Brazil's energy supply. It is one of the landmark projects where China and Brazil are working together to promote high-quality development.

Osvalter Paro, operation manager at the Rio de Janeiro substation that is part of the second phase of the project, said the technologies being used transmit power more efficiently with less power loss.

"So it's really, really good to get the opportunity to work with this kind of technology during these years. So it's more reliable. So it's really good. We have a new philosophy, new technology, best equipment, a sharing of knowledge among the Brazilian companies, Chinese companies. So it was a great moment and very useful, not only to me, but also for all the Brazilian citizens and the Brazilian market," he said.

Thirty-year-old Cayo Santos studied electrical engineering in China for two years and became an operating engineer at the substation in 2019. He said that Chinese technologies have offered energy security for developed areas in southeastern Brazil and improved local economic and social development.

"It is an honor to work on the Xingu Rio±800kV UATCC Project. It plays a great role in stabilizing Brazil's energy supply and promoting national development. Cooperation between Brazil and China is very important. China is developing very fast and has many advanced technologies," said Caio Santos.

"Near the starting point of the project, there is a village called Altamira. The project created a large number of local job opportunities. The project now has a substation in Rio. It also created a lot of job opportunities for Rio," said Flavio Teixeira, an employee at the substation.

Due to the economic, social and environmental benefits it has brought, the Phase II project has won a best practice award for social and environment management in Brazil and is also Brazil's first large-scale infrastructure project that has incurred no environmental penalties.

Chinese companies are also participating in more projects to develop the use of solar and wind energy resources in Brazil.

"The partnership between Brazil and China is important for proximity. Both countries can lead the energy transition process together to help other developing countries realize the potential of the energy transition. At the same time, the cooperation between China and Brazil is also a huge opportunity to promote the economic and social development of both countries," said Elbia Gannoum, president of the Brazilian Wind Energy Association.

China, Brazil see closer cooperation in green development

Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Heilongjiang Province in north and northeast China are busily unfolding winter tourism and sports activities, entertaining tourists coming far and wide with their rich ice and snow resources in the wintertime.

In Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia, over 30 volcanoes dot the Wulanhada Volcano Geopark, creating a natural "volcano museum" set against the vast grasslands. To enhance the experience, local authorities have introduced a dedicated light show and provided spacesuits for tourists as they wander among the volcanoes.

"It feels like traveling on Mars. The gorgeous vista makes us feel so happy," said Zhang Yujie, a tourist.

In addition to the natural charm and splendors, visitors can enjoy a thrilling cultural performance. The Huohu (fire pot) show, a national intangible cultural heritage, features performers who place red-hot charcoal into a special iron net. By shaking and spinning the net, they create a dazzling display for the audience.

After watching the fire performance, tourists can engage in various ice and snow sports. At a local ski resort, several winter activities are offered for fun.

"The cohesion of our team grew stronger after participating in the sports event. It was a relaxing and joyful experience," said Qin Lan, another tourist.

This winter, Ulanqab City will host hundreds of tourism activities to boost the winter tourism scene. To enhance visitors' experiences, local authorities have optimized seven tourism routes, opened four new airlines connecting Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhengzhou, and Shijiazhuang, and launched two ski bus routes.

In Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province, China's picturesque Snow Town has also opened its doors to tourists.

Around 4,000 red lanterns adorn the snow-covered landscape, creating a magical winter wonderland.

"We're so excited. We came from southern China and saw snow for the first time. We were lucky enough to meet snowfall by chance. I even rolled in the snow – it's very funny," said Wu Xiaorui, a tourist from Guangdong Province.

In preparation for the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin in 2025, China's Snow Town has undergone significant infrastructure upgrades. Local authorities have developed a new commercial street along the river, built a plank road through the forest, and improved the snow street, ensuring a better experience for all visitors.

Ice and snow wonderland in China unfolds bustling winter tourism, sports