China has connected to the grid the 1 GW first phase of its desert region solar and wind project. This first phase, developed by China Energy Investment Corporation (China Energy) and located in the Tengger Desert of the Ningxia Autonomous Region (northern China), is expected to generate 1.8 TWh/year of electricity, enough to supply power for 1.5 million Chinese households.
China’s desert energy project, which was first launched by the Chinese Government at the end of 2021, comprises the development of a total of 100 GW of solar and wind capacity across the desert regions of the country, spanning 19 provinces. The total new capacity that will be installed as part of this project is expected to reach 130 GW, requiring an estimated investment of CNY85bn (US$12.3bn).
In 2021, China’s installed capacity for renewables surpassed 1,000 GW (with 391 GW for hydro, 328 GW for wind and 307 GW for solar) and power production from renewables exceeded 2,300 TWh. China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) expects 450 GW of solar and wind capacity to be built in China’s desert regions and the country to reach 1,200 GW of solar capacity by 2030.
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