A new milestone in renewable energy has been achieved with the launch of what is being hailed as the world’s largest solar power plant by a subsidiary of the China Green Development Investment Group. Located in Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Midong solar project spans an expansive 32,947 acres and boasts over 5.26 million solar panels, making it a colossal 3.5-gigawatt facility.
Officially commencing operations on June 3, this solar farm is projected to generate approximately 6.09 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. To contextualize its impact, this output could power the entire nation of Papua New Guinea for a year.
Developed by a state-owned enterprise with operations across 12 provinces in China, the project reflects a philosophy centered around people, ecology, and cultural preservation. The company’s approach emphasizes a commitment to ecological sustainability and underscores its significant role in advancing renewable energy solutions.
The construction of the Xinjiang Midong solar project required a substantial investment of 15.45 billion yuan, equivalent to approximately $2.13 billion USD. This financial commitment highlights the scale of ambition behind the project, aiming not only to enhance renewable energy production but also to promote long-term ecological balance within China.