With a total installed capacity of 3.1 MW / 7.2 MWh, the projects span seven cities and counties – Anhua, Anxiang, Jinshi, Qiyang, Lianyuan, Xiangyin, and Yueyang. By adopting an innovative multi-site deployment and cluster-based management model, the initiative supports the green and low-carbon transformation of the water treatment sector.
Industry Dilemmas: Energy Management Challenges in the Water Sector
The wastewater treatment sector is inherently energy-intensive, with electricity costs representing a significant portion of operating expenses. Reducing energy costs while ensuring a reliable power supply and maintaining stable operations has long been a key challenge for the industry. Recognizing the potential of energy storage to improve efficiency and lower costs, Gezhouba Ecological Environmental Protection initiated the deployment of distributed energy storage systems across seven treatment plants in Hunan. However, the project faced several practical challenges during implementation:
· Cross-industry technical barriers: With a long-standing focus on the water and environmental protection sector, the enterprise had limited experience in energy storage technologies, including system design, equipment selection, and project execution. This required the involvement of experienced partners to provide end-to-end support, from design through to commissioning.
· Decentralized multi-site deployment: The seven project sites are distributed across multiple counties in Hunan. The fragmented layout and relatively small scale of each site required extensive resources for site surveys, equipment installation, and system commissioning, increasing the complexity of project management and coordination.
· Challenging construction conditions: Certain plants are located on silt-based ground, creating both technical and safety challenges for equipment transportation, lifting operations, and foundation construction of the energy storage systems.
In response to these challenges, WHES deployed a assigned technical team to provide end-to-end support across all project phases. Drawing on extensive project experience and strong engineering capabilities, the team ensured the smooth progression of the project – from system design and delivery through to installation and commissioning.
Delivering Value: Cost Optimization and Sustainable Development
Given the relatively small scale of individual sewage treatment plants alongside their standardized operational processes, WHES selected the PC-B commercial and industrial all-in-one energy storage system as the core solution. Combined with the independently developed WHES OS energy management system, this enabled the delivery of tailored energy storage solutions specifically designed for wastewater treatment applications.
PC-B: Integrated Design for Safe and Reliable Power Supply
Equipped with original CATL battery modules, the PC-B ensures high safety standards and a long service life, supported by internationally recognized certifications such as UL9540A and UN38.3. Its compact cabinet design allows for standard forklift handling, significantly reducing on-site logistical complexity and enabling fast deployment even in challenging environments. In addition, with an IP55 protection rating and C5-level corrosion resistance, the system is designed for stable, long-term operation in humid and demanding conditions.
WHES OS: Centralized Monitoring and Intelligent Dispatch
By integrating AI-powered edge computing with cloud-based SaaS services, WHES OS enables millisecond-level response and intelligent strategy optimization. Through cluster-based management, it delivers centralized monitoring and coordinated dispatch of energy storage systems across all seven plants. Advanced charge and discharge algorithms further maximize asset value, providing strong technical support for efficient project execution.
From Hunan to the Nation: Expanding the Green Footprint
The project has received strong recognition within the water sector and has been featured by leading industry media, including China Water & Wastewater. Building on its demonstration effect, the collaboration between WHES and Gezhouba Ecological Environmental Protection has expanded to regions such as Shandong and Henan, further extending its green energy footprint.
Against the backdrop of China’s dual-carbon targets, the shift toward green and intelligent development is becoming a defining trend for energy-intensive industries. Leveraging full-stack capabilities across products, technologies, and services, WHES is supporting the low-carbon transformation of diverse sectors. Looking ahead, the company will continue to strengthen its presence in the energy storage market and deepen cooperation with partners to advance the next phase of green energy development.
