On January 9, 2026, the TRANS Research Group hosted an invited academic lecture by Associate Professor Chen Zhang from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, titled “Innovation of Clean and Low-Carbon Technologies and System-Level Empirical Research in Smart Energy Campuses.”
To address the challenges of developing zero-carbon parks under China’s “dual-carbon” strategic goals, Dr. Zhang introduced the “Smart Energy Campus” demonstration platform and its innovative, integrated “3+3+X” development framework. The presentation highlighted how the systematic construction of a benchmark system—composed of “two platforms (a smart energy digital-intelligence platform and a virtual power plant simulation and operation platform) + one system (a DC microgrid system) + one plaza (an energy plaza)”—enables the deep integration of clean energy systems, smart grids, and digital-intelligent energy management. In terms of technical pathways, Dr. Zhang provided an in-depth analysis of the electro-fuel (e-fuel) project, exploring the frontier applications of utilizing renewable electricity to drive water electrolysis for hydrogen production and catalytic CO₂ conversion. Furthermore, he presented an AI-empowered smart energy management system that employs machine-learning algorithms for energy demand forecasting and multi-energy coordinated optimization. This practical exploration not only provides strong technical support for campus carbon neutrality but also offers a replicable and scalable “Shanghai Jiao Tong University Solution” for the global development of zero-carbon parks.