Xinjiang transforms deserts into renewable energy goldmine

陈小将

A drone photo taken on April 24, 2025 shows staff members checking power transmission lines of an ultra-high voltage (UHV) direct current transmission project linking Xinjiang with Southwest China's Chongqing, in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.

A 750-kilovolt (kV) "power expressway loop," the country's largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.

Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region's green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.

Xinjiang's sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine.