World's Highest-Altitude Solar Power Project Connects to the Grid in China's Yunnan Province

The first phase of the Huaneng Nagu Photovoltaic Power Station, located at an altitude of over 5,240 meters, has officially been connected to the state grid, according to China Huaneng Group Co. This groundbreaking solar power project, set in the Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, is now recognized as the world’s highest-altitude solar power facility.

High-Altitude Solar Energy Milestone

The Huaneng Nagu Photovoltaic Power Station is part of the Huaneng Lancang River Integrated Clean Energy Base and spans 1,900 mu (126.67 hectares). Situated at elevations between 4,800 and 5,300 meters, the first phase of the project includes 32 photovoltaic array zones equipped with approximately 200,000 dual-glass bifacial solar panels, delivering a total installed capacity of 100 megawatts.

Despite the region’s uninhabited, frigid terrain and harsh environmental conditions, the project team successfully addressed challenges such as constructing on marshland and glacial debris, optimizing photovoltaic panel efficiency under heavy frost, and ensuring equipment reliability in high-altitude settings. These achievements establish a replicable framework for future ultra-high-altitude solar projects in China.

Yunnan’s Solar Potential and Global Leadership

Located on the Yunnan plateau, the project benefits from excellent sunlight conditions, enabling efficient and cost-effective solar power generation. Lin Boqiang, director of the China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, highlighted that the integration of advanced technology reflects China's global leadership in photovoltaic innovations.

However, Lin noted that while China's solar power projects demonstrate remarkable technological advancements, there is still a pressing need to enhance infrastructure and improve power generation stability to ensure efficient energy delivery to consumers.

A Bright Future for China's Photovoltaic Industry

As China's photovoltaic sector continues to expand, the success of the Huaneng Nagu Photovoltaic Power Station sets a new benchmark for high-altitude renewable energy projects. It underscores the country’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions, even in the most challenging environments, while paving the way for future solar power developments on a global scale.