Jinhua, Zhejiang: Calculate "Carbon Content" to Seize Green Export Opportunities

“By scanning the product label, you can see how much 'green' electricity was used in its production.” On August 18, at the export workshop of Zhejiang Haers Company, a batch of thermos cups bound for Germany were being affixed with a special "carbon ID card". With a quick scan on a mobile phone, the product's carbon footprint and the real-time carbon emissions from its manufacturing process are immediately displayed.

Employees from State Grid Jinhua Power Supply Company provide on-site energy efficiency services for enterprises

Photo by Xiang Yuxi

According to State Grid Jinhua Power Supply Company, its pioneering time-of-use and zonal electricity carbon emission factor accounting platform is helping Jinhua's foreign trade enterprises prepare for the upcoming EU carbon tariff.

In 2026, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will officially come into effect. Products such as steel and aluminum may face tariffs of 60-100 euros per ton of carbon emissions.

The key to addressing this challenge lies in accurately calculating the "carbon content" of each kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed during production. To this end, State Grid Jinhua Power Supply Company has independently developed a time-of-use and zonal electricity carbon emission factor accounting platform that performs what is akin to a "carbon CT scan" on the power grid, calculating hourly electricity carbon factors with precision and delivering them directly to users.

Currently, the system has already rolled out "time-specific carbon labels" that can be accessed by scanning a QR code. Foreign trade companies at Yiwu International Trade City report that European and American clients, after seeing these labels, have shown greater recognition of the low-carbon strengths of "Made in Zhejiang". Several banks have also indicated that this dynamic carbon data will become an important reference for granting green credit.

This "key", forged through technological innovation, not only helps thousands of enterprises in Jinhua and across Zhejiang unlock the challenge of the EU carbon tariff, but also highlights the precise strength of the Jinhua solution amid the global shift toward green and low-carbon trade.  (Yang Xuejun Wang Yingcong Ma Xiang)