China’s Solar Great Wall: A Sustainable Energy Revolution
China is undertaking an ambitious project to build a massive "Solar Great Wall" designed to power Beijing. Slated for completion by 2030, this solar installation will stretch over 400 kilometers (250 miles) in length and 5 kilometers (3 miles) in width, with an impressive maximum generating capacity of 100 gigawatts. This monumental undertaking is part of the country’s multiyear plan to create a "wall" capable of generating sufficient energy to meet the power demands of the capital city.
So far, Chinese authorities report that around 5.4 gigawatts of solar power have already been installed. The project is located in the Kubuqi Desert, Inner Mongolia—a once desolate region that earned a reputation as a “sea of death.” Today, however, NASA's Earth Observatory describes the area as a “sea of photovoltaic possibility,” thanks to the recent surge in solar panel installations.
The Kubuqi Desert, with its sunny climate, flat terrain, and proximity to major industrial hubs, is an ideal location for large-scale solar power generation. The solar panels are being installed along a narrow strip of dunes situated just south of the Yellow River, between the cities of Baotou and Bayannur.
NASA’s Landsat 8 and 9 satellites, equipped with the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and OLI-2, have captured images showing the rapid expansion of solar farms in the region. The solar farm known as Junma Solar Power Station, which resembles a galloping horse, was completed in 2019. It set a Guinness World Record for the largest image made of solar panels. This installation alone generates approximately 2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which is enough to meet the power needs of 300,000 to 400,000 people.
Beyond providing a clean and reliable source of energy, the solar farm is expected to deliver additional environmental benefits. Planners hope that the installation will help combat desertification by stabilizing the movement of dunes and reducing wind erosion.
The Solar Great Wall not only represents China’s commitment to renewable energy but also demonstrates how large-scale solar projects can transform barren landscapes into valuable energy hubs, contributing to the country’s ambitious goals for sustainability and environmental protection.
A pioneering company dedicated to promoting excellence in education through innovative solutions and platforms. Edu Expo Global Pvt Ltd unites key figures in Education Technology.