On May 23, 2026, the 800000 kilowatt photovoltaic sand control project of CGN in Cele County, Hotan, Xinjiang achieved full capacity grid connection and operation. This project is a benchmark project for CGN to deepen its cultivation of the new energy track in southern Xinjiang, innovate and explore the integration mode of photovoltaic and ecological desertification control, and promote the implementation of Xinjiang's southern development strategy. It plays an important demonstration and leading role in promoting desertification control, stabilizing regional power supply capacity, and assisting the implementation of the national dual carbon strategy.

Photovoltaic desertification control improves desert ecology

The project is located on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, 20 kilometers southwest of Cele County in Hotan Prefecture, with a total installed capacity of 800000 kilowatts and supporting construction of 120000 kilowatts/480000 kilowatt hour electrochemical energy storage facilities. The project covers an area of approximately 20600 acres for both land use and ecological desertification control. The project relies on the construction of desert photovoltaic power stations, which weaken surface wind speed and suppress wind and sand flow through photovoltaic panels. At the same time, it uses shading to reduce soil moisture evaporation and assist in the natural recovery of vegetation in sandy areas. It successfully achieves the dual empowerment and coordinated development of clean energy development and desert ecological governance, injecting green vitality into local economic development while improving the regional ecological landscape.

Empowering people's livelihoods and promoting green development

During the project construction phase, it has provided over 5000 job opportunities for the local area, effectively driving local residents to increase their income locally and promoting the coordinated development of the upstream and downstream industrial chains. After the project is officially put into operation, it can generate an average of 1.53 billion kilowatt hours of clean electricity per year, which is equivalent to saving about 460000 tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 1.25 million tons. The project integrates multiple functions such as clean energy supply, desert ecological governance, and power grid peak and voltage regulation, which can continuously optimize the energy supply structure in southern Xinjiang and provide solid support for ecological protection, restoration, green, low-carbon and high-quality development in southern Xinjiang.

The project officially started construction in July 2025. During the construction period, the project team continuously optimized the construction process and plan, closely monitored meteorological changes, seized effective construction window periods, scientifically and efficiently promoted various construction tasks, and successfully achieved the goal of full capacity grid connected power generation as scheduled. Keywords: Xinjiang, photovoltaic desertification control, new energy

Next, CGN New Energy will uphold a strict, cautious, and practical work style, solidly carry out the follow-up operation guarantee work of the project, ensure the smooth transition of the project into commercial operation, and promote the long-term stable and high-quality operation of the project with practical measures, continuously empowering regional green development.Editor/Gong Ziwei