Global New Year celebrations light up skies

As the countries around the world welcomed the arrival of 2025, people rejoiced in various ways from fireworks displays to light shows, marking the onset of the new year with spectacular celebrations.

Australia's iconic Sydney set the stage for a grand New Year's Eve extravaganza, igniting the night sky with a symphony of fireworks at the stroke of midnight on Jan. 1. From the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge to the famed Sydney Opera House and the rooftops of buildings that peppered the harbor, a breathtaking display spanning seven kilometers unfolded. Over nine tons of fireworks lit up the night for 12 minutes, while drones and aerial firing platforms introduced a fresh dimension to the revelry.

"It's the nicest city in the world right now. It will be the first to go to 2025. And I wish you a happy new year to everyone," said Thibault Godard, a French tourist.

The world's tallest marvel, Dubai's Burj Khalifa, stood as a beacon of wonder, staging a traditional New Year's fireworks and light show. Over 15,600 fireworks, accompanied by 200 beams of light and lasers, bathed the Dubai skyline in a cascade of colors. As the crowd joined in a collective countdown, the Burj Khalifa emblazoned "Happy New Year" in Arabic, English, and Chinese, while brilliant fireworks cascaded around its towering frame. This year's theme, "Beyond Dreams," unfolded over nearly nine minutes, weaving together original music, lights, lasers, and fireworks into a spellbinding performance.

"There are a lot of hopes for the coming year to be even better, to see my family happy, to be successful in what I do. And as usual, for the world to be more in peace," said Ahmed, a tourist.

In Thailand, Bangkok's Menam River hosted a mesmerizing fireworks spectacle as the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1. Tens of thousands of fireworks danced across a 1,400-meter canvas of the night sky, painting a vivid tapestry that spanned five kilometers. Approximately 100,000 locals and visitors from around the world joined hands in celebration, welcoming the dawn of a new year with awe-inspiring fervor.

Global New Year celebrations light up skies

Global New Year celebrations light up skies

Global New Year celebrations light up skies

China's largest integrated photovoltaic(PV)-hydrogen-storage project located in Jiangsu Province was connected to the grid and begun power generation from Tuesday, said state-owned energy firm CHN Energy Friday.

Located on the coastal tidal flats of the Yudong Reclamation Area in Rudong County, it is China's first integrated offshore facility combining PV power generation, hydrogen production and refueling, and energy storage, all within a framework of comprehensive energy utilization and coastal ecological restoration.

The 400-megawatt project, spanning 4,300 mu (around 286.67 hectares), incorporates a newly constructed 220 kV onshore booster station, a 60 MW/120 MWh energy storage facility, and a hydrogen production and refueling station with a capacity of 1,500 cubic meters per hour and 500 kilograms per day, respectively.

Part of China's third batch of Desert, Gobi and Rocky Areas Mega Wind and Solar Base Projects, the Rudong facility is expected to generate around 468 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

The project is expected to deliver significant environmental benefits, including an annual reduction of approximately 309,400 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, 562.6 tons of sulfur dioxide emissions, and 1,125.3 tons of nitrogen dioxide emissions.

China's largest integrated PV-hydrogen-storage project begins power generation