E-Town enhancing investment, services
In collaboration with Beijingbased ZGC Enviro, a subsidiary of Zhongguancun Development Group, German engine giant Deutz recently announced it will launch a hydrogen-combustion engine project in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area — also known as Beijing E-Town.
Funded by a joint venture between the two enterprises, the project is Beijing E-Town’s first foreign-funded project in 2024 and Deutz’s first hydrogen energy project in China. With a combined investment of 600 million yuan ($83.52 million), it will focus on advanced hydrogen-combustion technologies and new products, while providing efficient clean energy solutions and promoting the application of hydrogen energy.
The project is expected to become a demonstration program in the development area and inject new impetus to its hydrogen energy industry, said industrial experts. Beijing E-Town, one of the city’s centers for the hydrogen energy industry, has established a basically complete industry chain covering production, storage, transportation, refueling, application and research. To bolster the industry’s high-quality development, the area’s administrative committee has released a series of favorable policies, including subsidies for enterprises, research institutes, projects and exchange activities.
A representative from Beijing E-Town said the project will be offered well-rounded services to ensure it progresses smoothly, and the development area will endeavor to introduce more projects to accelerate the industry’s development.
Beijing E-Town’s fixed asset investment exceeded 100 billion yuan in 2023, marking a significant milestone in its history. Looking to replicate or exceed that number in 2024, local officials say the remarkable achievements can be attributed to sustained efforts in promoting the integrated development of industries and the city, as well as improving the business environment.
During the past few years, Beijing E-Town has invested in several projects to enhance infrastructure and public services. Of them, the Chaiwu 220-kilovolt substation in Majuqiao area started operations in September, mainly serving hightech industrial parks in the region. In early December, the Liangshui River Bridge was opened to traffic after yearlong reconstruction, easing the region’s congestion and offering more convenience to residents.
The development area also provides investors with support and extensive services involving every stage of their projects, including contract signing, site work, construction completion and production.
“Their guidelines and services are very effective for enterprises outside Beijing as they can help us avoid many problems during the preliminary phase,” said Zhang Chen from Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals in East China’s Jiangsu province. The company has built its northern headquarters and an industrial base in the area.