China records initial success in new infrastructure construction
China has achieved initial success in new infrastructure construction, which has greatly facilitated the countrys social and economic development over the past decade, officials said on Monday.

Zhang Zhihua, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission said at a news conference that China had quickened its steps in upgrading information infrastructure as well as advancing infrastructure integration and innovation.

Zhang said that the length of Chinas optical fiber network had increased 2.7 times over the past decade, and the number of data centre racks has topped 5.9 million.

According to him, smart devices are being integrated into various industries and businesses such as transport, energy supply, and industrial production, as well as facilities concerning peoples wellbeing like e-commerce, telemedicine, and online education.

In terms of innovation, Zhang said up to 32 of Chinas planned 77 major national science and technology infrastructure projects had been put into operation.

He said centres on engineering research, enterprise technology, and industrial innovations were being set up across the country.

According to him, new infrastructure has greatly empowered Chinas economic and social development by offering sustained support to new technology exploration, effectively backing the development of the digital economy and fully facilitating the improvement of peoples wellbeing.

While each round of scientific and technological revolution introduces new infrastructure, each round of infrastructure construction will bring in an upgrade in economic transformation, he said.

Also speaking,Song Wen, an official with the National Energy Administration, said that with the energy sector seeking a faster shift to digital, internet-based, and smart-tech models, progress had been made.

In fields such as smart grid, mining, and power generation, as well as energy storage, he said.

Wen said that the coverage rate of Chinas power distribution automation system had exceeded 90 per cent by 2021.

He said that the country had seen the completion of more than 800 smart mining sites and a number of 5G plus smart thermal power plants. (Xinhua/NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News