China Unveils 1-Million-Kilowatt Solar Power Hub Featuring Concentrated Solar Technology

Hami’s Integrated CSP and PV Power Project Joins the State Grid

China has taken a significant leap in renewable energy innovation with the launch of its 1-million-kilowatt integrated Concentrated Solar-Thermal Power (CSP) and Photovoltaic (PV) energy demonstration project in Hami, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This pioneering project, now connected to the State Grid, combines cutting-edge solar technologies to create a multi-source clean energy hub, according to the Northwest Electric Power Design Institute of China Power Engineering Consulting Group, the project’s contractor.

A Milestone in Concentrated Solar-Thermal Power Technology

The project houses China’s largest Linear Fresnel CSP energy demonstration. Featuring 260,000 sun-tracking reflective mirrors, the system is designed to maximize solar energy capture. The CSP plant, combined with the integrated PV system, will provide a stable baseload power supply, making it a groundbreaking addition to China's renewable energy infrastructure.

Key Highlights:

• Annual Output: 1.86 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity.

• Environmental Impact: Reduction of over 1.5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.

• Energy Storage: The CSP system converts solar energy into thermal power, enabling stable power generation for up to eight hours after sunset.

  
  

Linear Fresnel Technology: Transforming Solar Energy Efficiency

The project employs advanced Linear Fresnel technology, which utilizes flat reflective mirrors and fixed collector tubes to harness the sun’s energy efficiently. This innovative system offers numerous advantages, including:

• Lower Costs: Simplified construction and maintenance.

• Resilience: Strong wind resistance and minimal environmental disruption.

• Land Efficiency: Optimized land use with reduced ecological impact.

  
  

The 100,000-kilowatt CSP thermal storage plant, combined with a 900,000-kilowatt PV power station, forms the core of this 1-million-kilowatt integrated energy demonstration.

China’s Growing Investment in Concentrated Solar Power

China’s renewable energy push is evident in its ambitious expansion of CSP projects. Currently, over 30 CSP plants are under construction across the country, with a combined installed capacity of approximately 3 million kilowatts. The Hami project sets the stage for large-scale adoption of Linear Fresnel technology and multi-source clean energy hubs.