On Dec 18, the second phase of the Inner Mongolia Huadian Tengger Clean Energy Transmission Base's photovoltaic project, with a capacity of 1 GW, was connected to the grid in Alshaa League, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

This marks the first project among Inner Mongolia's four large-scale wind and solar energy bases in desert areas to achieve a combined 2 GW grid connection. It is also the first project to be launched and completed within the same year.

The first and second phases of the base, each with a capacity of 1 GW, commenced construction in March and June of this year, respectively. Phase one began operations on Oct 31 and has already generated 121.4 million kW/h.

The base employs a "solar power + desert control" model, integrating measures such as windbreak and sand barriers, planting desert-adapted vegetation, and using biodegradable materials for sand stabilization.

These efforts simultaneously address desertification, improve energy efficiency, and bring ecological and economic benefits.

Wang Jun, Party secretary of the project's Bayankhot photovoltaic branch, noted that the base will have an installed capacity of 16.2 GW with a total investment of approximately 64.4 billion yuan ($8.89 billion).

Once fully operational, it is expected to save 7.2 million metric tons of standard coal annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 million tons.

This year, Alshaa League has focused on building major renewable energy projects, including desertification control and wind-solar integration. A total installed capacity of 23.72 GW is under construction.

By the end of 2024, the region's new energy capacity is projected to reach 10 GW, with plans to expand to 20 GW by the end of 2025.