Solar Power Project Transforms Kubuqi Desert

The Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia, once known as the "sea of death," is transforming into a leading solar power hub. The Junma solar power station, part of a large-scale project dubbed the "great photovoltaic wall," spans 400 kilometers along the desert's northern edge. With an installed capacity projected at 100 million kilowatts, this initiative utilizes the desert's abundant solar resources.

As reported by Na Guiting of Inner Mongolia Three Gorges Mengneng Energy Co., Ltd., the project has already connected two gigawatts to the grid, covering 4,200 hectares. It aims to deliver 40 billion kilowatt-hours annually to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, reducing CO2 emissions by 16 million tons each year.

The solar panels shade sand-fixing plants enhancing local agriculture, while water from nearby coal mines cleans the panels and irrigates crops. The project supports China's sustainable efforts against desertification, contributing to ecological and economic gains.