China has always been at the forefront of the solar game, and the Asian country may have unveiled a project that could power the whole country. Located deep within the Kubuqi Desert of Inner Mongolia, a lifeless expanse of sand is being transformed into a sea of photovoltaic panels. This “Solar Great Wall” project is more than a symbolic gesture, it is a stepping stone to a cleaner energy future for China.
The Kubuqi Desert: An energy powerhouse
Once completed in 2030, a new Chinese project will reach approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles), covering a width of 5 kilometers (3 miles), and boasting a power-generating capacity of 100 gigawatts, which is enough to supply power to people in bigger cities like Beijing. The idea behind the Solar Great Wall is to change from reliance on fossil fuels to dependence on renewable energy.
What was called the Sea of Death is no longer seen as a desert lacking vegetation and potential. Having abundant sunshine and being closely located to industrial hubs, this desert is gaining recognition for its perfect solar infrastructure. Thus far, more or less 5.4 gigawatts of solar panels have been installed in a narrow corridor south of the Yellow River, reaching between the cities of Baotou and Bayannur.
According to satellite footage captured by NASA’s Landsat 8 and 9, the desert’s landscape has drastically changed between 2017 and 2024. The initially featureless dunes have given way to dark patches of solar panels, signifying a grand-scale transformation.
Junma Power Station holds a Guinness World Record
With regards to the Solar Great Wall project, the Junma Solar Power Station, which is shaped like a galloping horse and was completed in 2019, surely is a standout feature. Holding the Guinness World Record for being the biggest solar panel image, the panel can generate approximately 2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, powering about 300,000 to 400,000 people.
China: a leader in the solar race
China is yet again emerging as the leader in the solar race, as was the case in June 2014. The country boasts 386,875 megawatts of solar capacity, accounting for over 51% of the global total. The United States trails behind with 79,364 megawatts, while India follows thereafter, showcasing about 53,114 megawatts.
China leading the solar race is no coincidence since the country has been taking initiatives to secure a cleaner energy future. During 2017 and 2023 alone, the country was able to add 40,000 megawatts of solar capacity yearly. What the Solar Great Wall represents is a core project in China’s global renewable energy strategy.
This is a project not focused solely on electricity generation, but one devoted to large-scale green technology implementation. This gigantic solar wall is one of China’s most ambitious projects yet, transforming the Sea of Death into something far more meaningful whilst setting the standards for international innovation.
Overcoming desertification
The Solar Great Wall offers an environmental promise, offering numerous ecological benefits and extending far beyond just carbon reduction. Being elevated, the solar panels can cast shade that, in turn, reduces evaporation, a core factor that needs to be considered in desert environments. Due to the shaded microclimate, grasses and crops will be able to grow more easily beneath the panels. The hope is that the desert will soon be transformed into arable land.
One key benefit of this project is that the infrastructure assists with stabilizing sand dunes and eliminating wind erosion and desertification (a big problem for places like China).
While overcoming the issue of desertification, China is building an impressive renewable energy project that is reflective of the country’s commitment to cleaner energy and environmental resilience. The promise offered by this project is that the once barren wasteland can be transformed into a land of sustainable progress while merging ancient symbolism with forward-thinking innovation. China is surely advancing in its role to power the entire planet.
