China’s Solar Great Wall: A Renewable Energy Milestone
- Abigail Balkus - MSc. in Health and Social Psychology
- Jan 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 12
China is undertaking an ambitious project in the Kubuqi Desert, Inner Mongolia, to construct a vast solar energy installation, often referred to as the “Solar Great Wall”. This initiative aims to transform the once barren “sea of death” into a renewable energy powerhouse, with plans to power the capital city, Beijing, upon its completion in 2030.
Project Overview
The “Solar Great Wall” is designed to span approximately 400 kilometers in length and 5 kilometers in width, with a projected peak generating capacity of 100 gigawatts. As of now, about 5.4 gigawatts have been installed. The Kubuqi Desert’s sunny climate, flat terrain, and proximity to industrial centers make it an ideal location for such a large-scale solar project.
Environmental and Agricultural Benefits
Beyond energy generation, the project is expected to offer several environmental advantages:
Combating Desertification: The installation may help curb desertification by preventing dune movement and reducing wind speeds.
Agricultural Enhancement: Elevated solar panels create shaded areas that slow evaporation, potentially facilitating the growth of pasture grasses and other crops beneath them.
Such benefits have been observed in other parts of China, where solar projects have contributed to the greening of deserts in recent years.
Global Solar Capacity Leadership
As of June 2024, China leads the world in operational solar farm capacity, boasting 386,875 megawatts, which accounts for about 51% of the global total. This positions China ahead of the United States and India, which have and 53,114 megawatts, respectively. Between 2017 and 2023, China’s solar capacity expanded by an average of nearly 40,000 megawatts annually, significantly outpacing the growth in the United States during the same period.
Innovative Installations
A notable feature within the Kubuqi Desert’s solar array is the Junma Solar Power Station, completed in 2019. This installation set a Guinness World Record for the largest image made of solar panels, resembling a galloping horse. It generates approximately 2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, sufficient to meet the yearly electricity needs of 300,000 to 400, …
Conclusion
China’s “Solar Great Wall” represents a significant stride in renewable energy development, with the potential to provide substantial power to Beijing and other regions. The project’s multifaceted benefits, including environmental restoration and agricultural enhancement, underscore its importance as a model for sustainable development in arid regions worldwide.
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Today's Good News Report courtesy of https://cosmicnation.co/about/seb_tmg
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