China has made a significant stride in eco-friendly energy production and desert environmental management with the launch of its largest desert-based photovoltaic (PV) project in the Kubuqi Desert, Inner Mongolia. This colossal initiative, spanning 6,666 hectares, has been synchronized with the national grid, signifying a dual triumph in providing clean energy and advancing ecological restoration.
The project, boasting an impressive 2 million kilowatts of installed capacity, is anticipated to produce 4.1 billion kilowatt-hours annually. This will result in saving 1.23 million tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 3.19 million tons each year, as per the China Three Gorges Corp. Notably, the project integrates agricultural development with ecological recovery by using drones to seed quality pasture and medicinal herbs beneath the solar panels.
The innovative use of PV panels in arid environments harnesses dew collection for watering plants and supports sustainable agricultural practices under the panels, as explained by Tong Zhongming of Zhengzhou Ximei High-tech Energy Technology. The initiative has attracted substantial investment, amounting to 11.15 billion yuan from China Three Gorges Corp and Elion Group, and includes the construction of energy storage and power transmission systems.
The adoption of desert control PV systems is on the rise in China due to their dual benefits of clean energy provision and ecological restoration. These systems are becoming increasingly cost-effective, with PV electricity being significantly cheaper than local coal-fired power. However, Tong points out the need for enhanced transmission infrastructure to fully capitalize on the potential of desert PV plants.
China’s commitment to an energy transition is evident as new PV capacity soared by 145 percent year-on-year, and clean energy sources, including wind and PV power, contributed to 13.8 percent of the nation’s electricity consumption in 2022, marking a milestone in China’s energy mix.
China’s largest environmental desert control photovoltaic (PV) project in the Kubuqi desert, North China’s Inner Mongolia, has connected to the grid. The 100,000-mu (6,666 hectares) project is providing clean energy for China’s power grid while helping improve the environment of the desert, showing China’s latest efforts at eco-development.
Source: China’s largest environmental desert control PV project starts operation in Kubuqi desert – Global Times