The Chinese mainland has commissioned its first fully autonomous operation control system for a gas turbine power plant at the Huaneng Shanghai Gas Power Station, according to the China Huaneng Group.
This smart autonomous control system marks the first time gas-fired thermal units on the Chinese mainland can operate across the entire process – from startup and grid connection to load regulation and shutdown – without any human intervention.
Dubbed the "intelligent brain," the system uses one-click data collection, real-time equipment condition assessments, and predictive algorithms to anticipate changes and proactively adjust control strategies, cutting errors and safety risks tied to manual operation.
During test runs, the units achieved a 100% compliance rate across all key operational parameters, a milestone that showcases how data-driven automation can elevate performance and reliability in power generation.
For young global citizens and business tech enthusiasts following energy innovation, this development signals a leap in digital transformation within the traditional energy sector, highlighting how AI-driven solutions can boost efficiency, sustainability, and grid stability.
Looking ahead, energy experts are watching how this technology might scale across more plants on the Chinese mainland and influence strategies in emerging markets. As the energy landscape evolves, autonomous systems could play a critical role in meeting growing demand while cutting emissions.
Reference(s):
China operates first smart unmanned system for gas turbine plant
cgtn.com
