亚洲开发银行助力桂林漓江新能源游船绿色升级

Core Viewpoint - The launch of two newly built new energy (direct wing paddle) tourist boats on the Li River marks a significant step towards upgrading to green and intelligent shipping in the Li River basin [1][2]. Investment and Project Overview - The initiative is part of the "Guangxi Li River Basin Comprehensive Governance Demonstration Project," with a total investment of approximately 2.319 billion RMB. This project aims to promote ecological protection and sustainable development in the Li River basin [2]. - The project received support from the Asian Development Bank, which provided a sovereign loan of about 938 million RMB, and officially commenced in March 2023 [2]. Project Components - The project focuses on three main areas: 1. Enhancement of ecological protection infrastructure, including tributary ecological restoration and the construction of ecological slow-moving pathways 2. Development of sustainable tourism and low-carbon facilities, including the establishment of tourism distribution centers and pilot projects for clean energy transportation 3. Protection of traditional villages and improvement of livelihoods [2]. Technological Advancements - The newly launched boats utilize a domestically developed direct wing paddle propulsion system, which improves propulsion efficiency by approximately 20% compared to traditional propellers. This advancement leads to significant energy savings regardless of the energy source used [5]. - The direct wing paddle technology enhances maneuverability and comfort, making it particularly suitable for the shallow, winding, and fast-flowing characteristics of the Li River [5]. Future Plans and Integration - Although the current fleet operates on a hybrid power model as a transitional solution towards zero emissions, the technology platform allows for future integration of cleaner energy sources [6]. - The operation of new energy vessels will be coordinated with other project components, such as ecological pathways, village restoration, and wastewater treatment, creating a new vision for ecological protection and tourism development in the Li River basin [6].