Qinzhuang Farmers Enjoy the Quiet Life

In China, the Qinzhuang village is a five-minute drive from the Sihe Gas Power Plant. While at times it's been tough being so close to the power plant, advances in technology have brought tranquility back to the village and allowed its residents to appreciate the prosperity that the plant has brought them.

Typical of those who have benefitted is Zhang Qinjun, a 42-year-old man with a family of four, whose main source of income used to come from farming. Now, he sometimes works at the Sihe Gas Power Plant as a janitor and has opened a shop to cater to the increased traffic the plant has brought. Because his two-story house had extra space, he also rented out part of it to a team that is installing equipment at the Sihe Gas Power Plant, further augmenting his income.

"Before the mine was opened, we only farmed and had a small income. I used to live in the cave where the house is now. Later, the power plant was built to generate electricity with gas, and since then, more people have moved to the village. Now, there are more ways to make money and our income has increased," Zhang said, smiling.

"At the beginning, it was rather noisy, and we had to yell in order to be heard," said Zhang about the plant that initially used an aircraft engine to generate power. However, with the introduction of Cat® gas power generators, the Qinzhuang villagers are now able to enjoy the quiet life again. "It has gotten better with time and now, everything seems normal."

As noise levels fell, the villagers' incomes rose. "At that time, my main source of income was from farming and transporting goods. I also had several odd jobs at the plant. After the gas power generators were brought in, many installation teams arrived with no place to live, so I decided to rent out my house to them," said Zhang. "If there wasn't a coal mine, we wouldn't have this power plant, and our life would not be as prosperous as it is now."

There are approximately 200 households in Qinzhuang Village, and many villagers work at the power plant. As the Sihe Gas Power Plant continues to develop, the farmers' lives have gradually prospered. "Some of the villagers farm, some work in the power plant and others have opened restaurants next to the plant. With more job opportunities, we can earn more money, and our lives are improving," Zhang said excitedly. "Many of the caves in the village are now rented out as warehouses and a lot of people have built small buildings. Our quality of life is improving and fewer people want to move to the cities."

The Sihe Gas Power Plant's coal-bed methane power generation project has played a pivotal role in protecting the environment of the surrounding communities and Jincheng City. The plant has not only created considerable economic benefits, but has also contributed to the area's social development. Because of the plant, Jincheng was awarded the China Habitat Environment Prize and the Dubai International Award for Best Practice to Improve the Living Environment.

The disappearance of the noise that once disturbed the Qinzhuang village shows that industrial development and environmental protection can go hand in hand. The Qinzhuang villagers can enjoy the tranquility and serenity that was once lost and live a comfortable life in peace.