‘Solar Great Wall’ aims to power Beijing and curb desertification by 2030
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 12, 2024
Ordos in Inner Mongolia is spearheading an ambitious “Solar Great Wall” project, merging renewable energy development with ecological restoration, as reported by local officials.
Stretching 400 km long and 5 km wide on average, this massive solar initiative is designed to provide sustainable power to Beijing and nearby regions while supporting the conservation of the Yellow River, a crucial waterway in China.
The project, which began earlier this year, boasts a planned total installed capacity of 100 million kilowatts and aims to generate around 180 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually by 2030, according to the Ordos energy administration. To put this into perspective, Beijing consumed 135.8 billion kWh of electricity last year.
Located along the southern bank of the Yellow River and at the northern edge of the Kubuqi Desert, China’s seventh-largest desert, the project is also expected to play a significant role in reducing soil erosion, preventing sediments from entering the Yellow River, and rehabilitating nearly 27 million hectares of desert.
Li Kai, an energy administration official from Dalad Banner, noted in an interview that the project will bring major economic and environmental benefits. Approximately 133 km of the “Solar Great Wall” will be constructed within Dalad, where the section will average 25 km in width. This development will increase Dalad’s renewable energy capacity to 19 million kW by the end of the decade.
“The project will yield an annual output of 38 billion kWh of green power, saving nearly 12.6 million metric tons of standard coal and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by around 31.3 million tons,” Li stated.
By 2030, Dalad aims to transmit 48 billion kWh of renewable electricity annually to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region using an ultra-high-voltage transmission line currently under construction.
The solar panels, in addition to generating power, will aid in desertification control by acting as wind barriers and providing shade to limit soil moisture evaporation. Moreover, 2,400 hectares of crops will be cultivated under the panels to further combat desert conditions, demonstrating the government’s dedication to an approach that harmonizes ecological and economic progress, Li said.
“All projects are funded by State-owned enterprises, including central administration-run companies, meaning local governments do not need to invest financially,” Li explained.
Li also pointed out that Dalad’s local government has set up streamlined approval sessions and appointed officials dedicated to facilitating project processes across different stages.
“Overall, about 50,000 jobs will be created by 2030, with average annual income increases exceeding 20,000 yuan ($2,815),” he added.
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