Key Takeaways
- Oriental Rise has signed a strategic agreement with Zhongji New Energy to integrate solar power systems into its tea plantations.
- The “agro-photovoltaic” project features a planned capacity of 50 megawatts (MW) with an estimated investment of RMB165 million.
- The initiative utilizes a 20-year lease model, allowing for solar generation without disrupting primary tea cultivation.
- Zhongji New Energy will manage investment and operations, while Oriental Rise provides site coordination and land access.
- The project aligns with Chinese national initiatives to combine renewable energy infrastructure with large-scale agricultural environments.
Integration of Solar Technology at Oriental Rise Plantations
Oriental Rise Holdings Limited, an integrated tea supplier based in mainland China, has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement to explore the deployment of solar photovoltaic systems within its agricultural bases. The partnership, formed through its subsidiary Fujian Mindong Hong Tea Industry Technology Co., Ltd., involves a collaboration with renewable energy developer Shandong Yiyang Zhongji New Energy Co., Ltd.
The project follows an “agro-photovoltaic” model, which allows for the simultaneous use of land for both electricity generation and crop production. Under the framework, solar panels will be installed in designated areas of the Oriental Rise tea gardens, specifically targeting underutilized spaces to maximize land-use efficiency while preserving the environment necessary for premium tea growth.
Financial and Operational Framework for Oriental Rise
The proposed development carries a planned installed capacity of approximately 50MW. The total investment for the project is estimated at RMB165 million, which will be covered by Zhongji New Energy. Oriental Rise will facilitate the project by providing the necessary coordination and land access under a long-term lease arrangement.
