China’s first desert PV technology validation and demonstration base began operations at Otog Front Banner in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia. This marks a key step in the country’s energy transition and the consolidation of its clean energy strategies.
Testing for China’s solar technology
The plant, based on the three million kilowatt Mengxi Blue Ocean Photovoltaic Power Plant, has been designed to systematically evaluate solar panels and mounting structures under extreme conditions. The base combines 10 conventional structures and 36 different PV panel models, generating more than 150 validation schemes.
The facility also has a capacity of 133 MW for testing, where performance is measured over the entire life cycle of the solar components. Indicators such as the normalized cost of electricity and investment risks are analyzed in order to guide large-scale projects with lower technological uncertainties.
In parallel, China Huaneng Group connected to the grid its first wind large-scale onshore wind onshore wind project in Turfan, Xinjiang. Equipped with wind turbines of up to seven megawatts, the system includes wind-resistant hub technology capable of operating at speeds of up to 57 m/s, optimizing generation in desert environments.
In addition, at the Tongliao plant, progress is being made in the operation of a 2×350 MW ultra-supercritical cogeneration unit. This model reduces coal and water consumption and enables large-scale centralized heating, aligning thermal efficiency with ecological objectives.
Towards a hybrid generation model
The new wind farm in the Xing’an League has raised the ratio of renewable to thermal sources to 47.9 %. This hybrid mix improves regulation of the electricity system and allows a gradual transition without compromising security of supply. The commitment to mixed models is a concrete strategy in the reconversion of China’s thermal sector.
With these advances, the country strengthens its installed capacity in clean energy and refines the evaluation and technology selection tools to ensure robust projects in regions with extreme conditions.
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Source and photo: CGTN
