On the morning of Sept 14, Zhao Jiashun, a driver at Jinan Start-up Area for Growth Drivers Transformation, began his daily cleaning route, operating a distinctive white sanitation truck.

This truck is part of a fleet of 56 hydrogen-powered vehicles acquired as part of the first hydrogen-fueled sanitation project in Shandong province. The project is intended to push forward Jinan Start-up Area's vision of a green, low-carbon future.

"The hydrogen truck is powerful, accelerates quickly, runs quietly, and offers a comfortable ride," Zhao noted, contrasting it to conventional gasoline vehicles. These trucks rely on hydrogen fuel cells developed by Jinan Green Dynamic Technology, a local company specializing in eco-friendly technologies. The firm operates three production lines-power fuel cells, air-cooled fuel cells, and vehicle fuel cell systems-with an annual production capacity of 1,000 units each.

Hydrogen energy has become a critical green industry in Jinan Start-up Area. According to Cui Chengxin, deputy general manager of the Jinan Green Dynamic Technology, each hydrogen truck can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 65 kilograms per 100 kilometers, roughly equivalent to the air-cleaning power of 3.5 trees.

Mou Xiaoli, director of the economic development department in Jinan Start-up Area, said that the region is focusing on advancing emerging industries, including next-generation information technology, intelligent manufacturing with high-end equipment, new energy, new materials, and modern services.

In the green energy sector, the area has made significant strides with projects involving smart vehicles, hydrogen energy, and photovoltaic solar power, laying a solid foundation for sustainable development and a greener future.

The Start-up Area's environmental gains are already evident, with energy consumption per GDP unit down by 4 percent in 2023, energy use per unit of industrial output down by 9 percent, and air quality surpassing city averages by 2.2 percent.

The Jinan Start-up Area of Growth and Drivers Transformation was approved by the State Council on April 25, 2021. The area will focus on developing modern manufacturing, modern services, and cultural industries to aid in the city's high-quality development.

The area will create a world-class business environment and build a demonstration zone for opening up in the Yellow River Basin. More efforts will be made to improve the environment in the area and build "waste-free city" demonstration areas.