NASA's Earth Observatory recently published a striking feature titled "Building a Solar Great Wall in China". It showcases satellite images that reveal a transformative solar power project in the Kubuqi Desert in Ordos, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

The images compare the site as it appeared on Dec 20, 2017, a barren desert, with what it looked like on Dec 8, 2024, a sprawling solar power base.

The Earth Observatory noted, "The Kubuqi Desert, once a sea of lifeless dunes nicknamed the 'Sea of Death', has become a 'sea of potential' with the installation of extensive solar panels."

Satellite images of the Kubuqi Desert in 2017 (left) and 2024 released by NASA. [Photo/NASA's Earth Observatory website]

According to NASA, the Kubuqi Desert's ample sunlight, flat terrain, and proximity to industrial centers make it an ideal location for solar energy generation.

Among the achievements is the "Junma" solar station, whose panels form a giant horse-shaped pattern. In July 2019, Guinness World Records recognized this project as the largest solar panel installation in the world.

In addition to their energy generation, the solar panels also serve as an innovative tool for combating desertification. The installation reduces water evaporation, and the site employs a unique model of "power generation above, land restoration below, and cultivation in between". This approach aids grass and windbreak crops beneath the panels and stabilizes the shifting sands.