Solar power generation in the Taklimakan Desert

How much electricity does the Taklimakan Desert produce a year?

"The southern part of the Taklimakan Desert benefits from low precipitation and ample sunshine, resulting in up to 1,600 hours of electricity generation each year," Tian said. Operated by the State Power Investment Corporation, this station boasts a total installed capacity of 200 megawatts, producing 360 million kWh of electricity annually.

Is the Taklimakan Desert the'sea of death'?

[Photo/Xinhua] URUMQI -- Once known as the "sea of death," the Taklimakan Desert, the world's second-largest shifting sand desert, has become a driving force for green development in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Why is the Taklimakan Desert important?

More and more enterprises started investing in this plant to produce traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The utilization of the Taklimakan Desert promotes the development of agriculture, manufacturing, and environmental protection.

Why is Xinjiang using the Taklimakan Desert?

The utilization of the Taklimakan Desert promotes the development of agriculture, manufacturing, and environmental protection. During the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20), Xinjiang restored 1.89 million hectares of desertified land, effectively curbing the trend of land desertification, according to the region's forestry and grassland bureau.

What is a green hydrogen project in Kuqa City?

In Kuqa City, located on the northwestern edge of the Taklimakan, a green hydrogen project is set to commence operations, with an expected production capacity of 20,000 tonnes upon completion. Solar power replaces fossil fuels in generating hydrogen, said Cao Jie, vice manager of Sinopec Tahe Refining and Chemical Company.

How long does a road trip last in the Taklimakan Desert?

Typically, tourists visit scenic spots during the day and spend the night on the train. A single journey lasts for 11 days. There are 18 such trips expected for this year, with each accommodating up to 500 tourists. With more than 1,200 km of highways across the Taklimakan Desert, travelers also have the option of embarking on a road trip.