China to build a 1 gigawatt solar farm in desert

In an effort to tackle China’s long-term energy needs, the Chinese government has announced the construction of a massive 1 gigawatt (GW) solar power plant in one of its remotest deserts.

As Chinese industry continues to grow exponentially and power demands continue to rise, the country has been looking to a long-term clean-tech solution for its energy needs.

Trina Solar, one of the world’s largest providers of solar technology originally from China, will be overseeing the massive project, which is due to commence in the coming months in western China’s Xinjiang region, subject to formal approval by the local authorities.

The first two phases of the project, with installed capacity of 300 megawatts (MW), are scheduled to be completed and connected to the grid by the end of this year, with further investment in the construction of a solar panel production facility in the local area to supply modules to the solar power plants.

‘Much needed energy’

Chairman and CEO of Trina Solar, Jifan Gao, said the project will provide much needed energy to the local population and further afield: “The solar plants will ensure a stable supply of clean energy and improve reliability of electricity supply to the surrounding regions. At the same time, the module production facility will also create jobs and stimulate the growth of the local economy.”

China’s rapid industrial growth has created a situation where there are almost uncontrollable levels of pollution and has turned some of its major cities into some of the biggest centres of air pollution in the world.  

China has also welcomed foreign investment from foreign clean-tech companies and sees it in its long-term strategies.