A view of Datang Baochang Gas Power Generation Co., a gas-fired power plant in Longhua District that has undergone a six-year digital transformation. Photos by Chen Jianhua

A gas-fired power plant in Longhua District has transformed its operations over the past six years, using automation and intelligent monitoring to improve efficiency, reduce manual work and strengthen environmental performance.

Datang Baochang Gas Power Generation Co., located near Qiankeng Reservoir, reached a major milestone in late 2025 when two generating units adopted an automated startup and shutdown system.

The system allows operators to start generating units with a single command, replacing dozens of manual procedures with programmed sequences.

According to the company, the upgrade has reduced manual operating tasks by more than 90% and shortened hot-start times by approximately 10 minutes, while lowering the risk of human error.

From manual checks to predictive monitoring

The plant has also introduced intelligent monitoring systems that track nearly 8,000 equipment parameters using more than 100 operating models.

Instead of relying solely on conventional alarms, the systems can identify early signs of equipment problems, giving operators time to intervene before faults escalate.

Routine inspections have been digitized across 219 inspection points and 24 routes. A 5G-enabled upgrade has also allowed the plant's water supply pump station to operate without on-site staff.

Operators monitor equipment and power generation systems in the control room at Datang Baochang Gas Power Generation Co. in Longhua District.

Greater efficiency, lower emissions

Digital technology is helping the plant improve energy efficiency and environmental performance.

A monitoring system compares real-time operating data with optimal benchmarks, helping operators reduce the electricity consumed by the plant itself and optimize natural gas use.

The company reports that nitrogen oxide emissions from its generating units have remained below 15 milligrams per cubic meter, outperforming the applicable national standard. On-site solar panels also generate electricity for use at the facility.

From January through September 2026, the plant generated 2.71 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity for Shenzhen.

Further upgrades are planned, including robotic inspections, high-precision equipment sensors and expanded unattended operations.

The transformation reflects Longhua's broader push to integrate AI and digital technology into industrial operations, demonstrating how established energy facilities can become more efficient and reliable.