Have you ever thought about what could be done with the energy of the sun and the wind in the desert? China has given a concrete answer to this question. The first of many solar and wind projects in China's Gobi Desert it is now operational, and its reach is impressive: it can supply energy to as many as 1,5 million households.
Where it all begins: the Gobi desert
This first phase of the project is located in the desert of tengger, located on the southern edge of the Gobi Desert. Last year we followed up his first steps, and now the plant is complete. It has an installed capacity of 1 million kilowatts and is expected to generate 1,8 billion kilowatt hours every year, according to the company that runs it, China Energy.
Not only is it the first of a series of projects in the desert, but it is also China's first ultra-high voltage power transmission channel. The first major renewable project transmitting clean energy from the Gobi Desert and other arid regions to Hunan Province.
Ambitious goals for a sustainable future
The entire project, valued at 85 billion yuan (about 13 billion euros), will have a total installed capacity of 13 million kilowatts. The Chinese government launched it in late 2021, with ambitious plans: to install a total of 100 GW of solar and wind capacity in arid areas of the Gobi (and beyond) covering 19 provinces.
Interestingly, it will be "depressed" areas like those, regions like Ningxia, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia, that will now play a key role. To increase the share of clean energy in the country's energy mix, and contribute to the sustainable energy goals of all of China.
When we think of the desert, we imagine an inhospitable and lifeless place. China is demonstrating that we should start from deserts to contribute to a greener future.
