- Three Gorges Group has started construction of its 16 GW strong power generation project in Kubuqi desert, Inner Mongolia
- The 16 GW project comprises 8 GW solar PV, 4 GW wind and 6 GW of upgraded coal power capacity
- Under the pilot, it is now building a 1 GW solar PV project with energy storage under collaboration with Mengneng Group
On December 28, 2022, China Three Gorges Group started constructing the world’s ‘largest’ wind and solar PV power generation project with upgraded coal representing 16 GW combined capacity when completely online, in Inner Mongolia’s Kubuqi desert.
The Kubuqi Desert Ordos North Central New Energy Base Project is being jointly constructed by the Mengneng Group and is fully promoted by the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Three Gorges said it is also China’s maiden 10 GW strong new energy project to have entered construction.
While the entire 16 GW is expected to cost over RMB 80 billion ($11.6 billion), the pilot production will have 1 GW solar PV capacity with corresponding energy storage to be configured.
According to local media reports, the 16 GW project comprises 8 GW solar PV, 4 GW wind and 4 GW upgraded coal power capacity. On completion, it will supply close to 40 billion kWh electricity annually to Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei region.
This project is aligned with the Chinese government’s plans to bring about 450 GW solar and wind energy capacity in desert regions. According to Bloomberg, the actual plan is for 455 GW solar and wind with 200 GW to be installed before 2025 (see 200 GW RE Before 2025 In China’s Deserts).
