You’ll Never Guess What This Giant Panda in a Chinese Field Actually Is

Science & Tech

| July 5, 2017 | By Margo Gothelf

Source: China Merchants New Energy and Panda Green Energy via Inhabitat

Sometimes clean energy can be pretty cute.

The employees of the Panda Power Plant in Datong, China have crafted an original piece of art out of solar panels. Not only are they creating clean energy, but they are also providing a super adorable aerial view of a panda.

The one-of-a-kind panda is part of an agreement with the United Nations Development Program, which promotes clean energy. According to Inhabitat, the solar panels will give off 100 megawatts of energy total and provide 50 MW during the first phase of the project.

Each part of the panda maintains a specific purpose as well. The black panels are “monocrystalline silicone solar cells,” while the grey and white tummy and face make a layer of “thin film solar cells.”

The Panda Power Plant hopes their cute energy system will inspire individuals — especially young people — to use sustainable energy.

The giant panda “will be able to offer 3.2 billion kilowatt-hours of green power in 25 years.” According to the company, the charming power system will save about 1,056 tons of coal and reduce the carbon emission by 2.74 tons. Part of the energy will be used to power buildings that schoolchildren will use.

The Panda Power Plant hopes to install similar “panda plants” around China in the next five years. The energy will contribute to the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road, a project dedicated to clean energy.

Hopefully, this lovable form of energy will inspire other countries to get on board!