The first phase of the 1.1 million kilowatt photovoltaic project at the Kubuqi Desert base in Dalu town, Juungar Banner, Ordos, recently achieved an important milestone with the near completion of its infrastructure construction.

Workers install electrical wiring. [Photo by He Run]

This project, part of the second batch of national large-scale wind and photovoltaic bases in desert and barren areas, involves a total investment of approximately 5.5 billion yuan ($750.20 million). It covers an area of nearly 29,000 mu (1,933.33 hectares) and is equipped with two 220-kilovolt step-up substations.

The project has made rapid progress since its commencement in September 2023. The construction of the first phase, which will produce 600,000 kW of photovoltaic power, is nearly completed.

In addition to developing new energy, the project has prioritized ecological governance. So far, 7,000 mu of grass and over 5,000 mu of Salix cheilophila have been planted, and 5,000 mu of soil has been improved, achieving a win-win economic and ecological situation.

The photovoltaic site. [Photo by He Run]

The project will be able to supply 2.2 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region each year, reducing the consumption of standard coal by 800,000 metric tons and the emissions of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and other pollutants by over 4.1 million tons. By the end of 2024, the project had completed construction on over 15,000 mu, accounting for about 60 percent of the total area.