A subsidiary of the China Green Development Investment Group has activated the world’s largest solar plant, a 3.5-gigawatt operation located in the Xinjiang region of China.
This massive solar farm began operations on June 3 and is expected to generate about 6.09 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, enough to power the entire country of Papua New Guinea for a year.
Referred to as the Xinjiang Midong solar project, it boasts over 5.26 million solar panels spread across a vast area of 32,947 acres.
The project was developed in stages with a 15.45 billion Chinese yuan (approximately $2.13 billion) investment. It features monocrystalline bifacial double-glass PV panels and 129 miles of transmission lines.
The developer, a state-owned outfit, has wind and/or solar projects in 12 provinces, adhering to a philosophy that prioritizes ecology, people, and culture.
The new operation is a significant addition to China’s renewable energy landscape, with the developer aiming to hit over 20 gigawatts of renewable energy installations by the end of the year.
The activation of this massive solar plant highlights China’s commitment to increasing its reliance on renewable energy sources. As the world shifts towards cleaner and more sustainable energy options, China is taking a leading role in driving this change.
The Xinjiang Midong solar project is a testament to the country’s capabilities and ambitions in the renewable energy sector, showcasing its potential to make a significant impact on the global energy landscape.