China: Turfan surpasses 10 billion kWh of energy for the first time

With a solar project integrating thermal storage and photovoltaics, Turfan in Xinjiang surpasses 10 billion kWh of annual production from renewable energy sources, marking a milestone in local energy transition.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

The Turfan region in Xinjiang, China, has reached a significant milestone in renewable energy development. With the completion of the first phase of the integrated thermal and photovoltaic storage project in Shanshan Qiketai, with a power of one million kilowatts, the region can now generate an additional 2.13 billion kWh per year. For the first time, Turfan’s annual energy production has exceeded 10 billion kWh.

This solar integration project, funded at 6 billion yuan, combines 900 MW of photovoltaic generation and 100 MW of solar thermal production. To enable efficient management of this energy, two 220 kV transformation stations have been established, using molten salt energy storage technology. Photovoltaic installations are expected to produce an average of 1.95 billion kWh per year, while solar thermal plants will reach approximately 170 million kWh.

Strengthening Turfan’s Energy Network Capacity

Previously, the installed capacity for new energies in Turfan’s power grid was 3.54 million kWh, with an expected annual output of 7 billion kWh. Thanks to recent projects, the region has recorded a significant increase of 1.3 million kW in connected capacity, which should result in an additional 3.9 billion kWh. In total, the annual energy production is now estimated at 10.9 billion kWh, reinforcing Turfan’s position in China’s energy transition.

Supporting Infrastructure Development

To support this rapid growth, the state company, State Grid Turfan Power Supply Company, anticipated infrastructure needs and completed the 220 kV transmission project at the Shanshan Jian Quan Zidong relay station. This installation is crucial to ensuring the region’s energy security and allowing stable integration of the new energy into the local power grid.

This infrastructure aims to secure the integration of renewable energies, meeting reliability and continuity requirements for a green energy supply. The modernization and strengthening of Turfan’s electrical network aim to ensure sustainable energy supply and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

Statkraft France won a 15.5 MWc solar project in Mourmelon-le-Grand during the latest national tender round, bringing its total awarded capacity to nearly 70 MWc in less than a year.
Solar growth in Central Europe has doubled that of the European Union since 2019, reshaping the energy mix and boosting battery manufacturing in the region.
Canadian energy producer Cordelio Power has completed commissioning of its Winfield solar project, a 150 MW facility backed by a 15-year contract with Microsoft and a $313mn structured financing deal.
Platform Anza surpassed its 2024 volume in just eight months, responding to developers’ urgency to secure projects ahead of regulatory and fiscal changes expected in 2026.
US-based AGCO has signed a ten-year virtual power purchase agreement with BRUC, covering a 100 MW solar project in Spain, to secure part of its European energy consumption.
Canadian developer Innergex has won all six projects of the Grenier des Essences portfolio for a total of 85 MW, strengthening its position in France’s ground-mounted solar sector.
Canadian Solar unveils its new low-carbon solar modules integrating heterojunction cells and thinner wafers, achieving up to 24.4% efficiency and a peak power output of 660 Wp.
Elmya Energy and Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure have created a joint venture targeting 4 GW of renewable energy projects in the United States, focused on the ERCOT and WECC markets.
Louth Callan has completed the Mousam River solar project in Sanford, marking a key milestone in the deployment of utility-scale energy infrastructure across the United States.
The state regulator has approved five new solar power purchase agreements to support growing demand under the CARES programme, targeting industrial and commercial clients.
With the commissioning of the El Carrizo plant, Ecoener surpasses 500 MW in installed capacity and becomes the most active Spanish investor in Guatemala’s energy sector.
Aspen Power has finalised the acquisition of two community solar projects totalling over 1 MWdc in New Jersey, developed by Ecogy Energy, with construction expected to begin shortly.
French developer Tenergie has started work on a ground-mounted solar plant at a former quarry, with expected annual output of 7.6 GWh from 2026.
Octopus Energy strengthens its presence in Spain with three new energy projects totalling 600 MW, powering 2.3 million households and accelerating the expansion of its European renewables portfolio.
VSB Italy has obtained authorisation to build a 6.2 MW agrivoltaic plant in Città della Pieve, combining solar power generation and agricultural cultivation on 10.6 hectares.
Ameren Missouri announces a 250 MW solar project to power 44,000 homes, reducing delays and costs through strategic development on company-owned land.
Verso Energy has inaugurated an experimental solar power plant in Outarville, testing the integration of photovoltaic panels across three hectares of large-scale crops with a 90% self-consumption rate.
Independent power producer R.Power is selling a 440MW ready-to-build photovoltaic portfolio in Poland, as political uncertainties drive a wave of divestments in the national renewable energy market.
Grenergy has finalised the sale of the fourth phase of its hybrid solar-storage project in Chile to CVC DIF, valued at up to $475mn, while retaining operation and maintenance for five years.
Q ENERGY secures financing for 252 MW of solar projects in Spain, marking its first independent power producer operation on the Iberian Peninsula.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.