With a planned 400 kilometers in length and the capacity to generate up to 100 GW of clean energy by 2030, the Great Solar Wall of China is revolutionizing the Kubuqi Desert, improving the microclimate and leaving NASA with its eyes open to its grandeur.
China is once again at the forefront of energy innovations with the construction of the Great Wall of Solar Energy, the largest solar park in the world. This energy giant, located in the Kubuqi Desert, has attracted attention not only for its impressive numbers, but also for its positive impact on the environment. Images recorded by NASA show how this project is transforming an area previously known as the “Sea of Death” into a true solar oasis.
What is the Great Solar Wall of China?
The Great Wall of Solar is a mega clean energy project located in the desert Kubuqi, China. This area, which was once marked by giant dunes and strong sandstorms, is now home to solar panels that transform sunlight into electrical energy. With a planned extension of over 400 kilometers, the facility already has the capacity to generate 5,4 GW, but the goal is to reach 100 GW by 2030.
The Kubuqi Desert was known for its inhospitable conditions, with dunes reaching 100 meters high and winds that spread sand across large areas, as far as Beijing and other countries. However, with the installation of solar panels, the region is experiencing significant changes, such as reduced evaporation and increased diversity of plants and microorganisms.
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Research shows that the project has a positive effect on the microclimate. Solar panels help improve soil moisture retention and, by reducing erosion, create favorable conditions for vegetation growth. This environmental advance is a double win, as clean energy also reduces the carbon footprint.
Why is the Great Solar Wall so important?
In addition to being a response to the increase in energy demand, the project is a crucial step towards decarbonizing China. The country, known for its dependence on coal, is now seeking cleaner and more efficient alternatives to meet its gigantic energy needs.
The panels used in the project has cutting-edge technology, such as bifacial modules that take advantage of the light reflected by the sand. The durability of the panels has been extended from 25 to 30 years thanks to a new glass covering. These advances allow the plant to produce enough energy to supply hundreds of thousands of people.
While China still relies heavily on coal, initiatives like the Great Wall of Solar show that the energy transition is underway. Projects like these are expected to accelerate emissions reductions, putting the country on the path to a more sustainable future.
Great Solar Wall progress in numbers
The numbers for the Great Solar Wall are impressive and reveal the unprecedented scale of the project. Since 2017, NASA images have shown a visible transformation of the area, with a mosaic of panels stretching for miles.
The plant is already operating at a capacity of 5,4 GW, enough to power millions of people. However, when completed, the Great Wall Solar is expected to reach a capacity of 100 GW, a milestone that will solidify its position as the largest solar power plant in the world.
Comparing images from 2017 and 2023, NASA showed the impressive progress of the project. The site, which was once just sand, now reflects sunlight onto thousands of panels, forming a visual and functional spectacle.
Challenges and opportunities in the world's largest photovoltaic park
Despite the progress, the project faces significant challenges, including China's continued dependence on coal and the need to deal with harsh desert climate conditions.
While the number of new coal plants has fallen in recent years, China still needs to increase its output to meet growing domestic demand. This creates a paradox between the expansion of renewable energy and the continued use of fossil fuels.
The Great Wall Solar Panels are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the desert, such as sandstorms and extreme heat. These innovations not only ensure the durability of the project, but also serve as a reference for other countries facing similar challenges.