The Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia is undergoing a significant transformation through the installation of a “solar great wall,” designed to power Beijing by 2030. This ambitious project aims to generate 100 gigawatts of power while simultaneously combating desertification and supporting local agriculture. Once regarded as lifeless, the desert’s dunes are now home to extensive solar panels, marking a shift to renewable energy production.
The project, stretching 400 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide, has already seen approximately 5.4 gigawatts of capacity installed. Its location benefits from sunny weather and proximity to industrial centers, with panels arranged in a strip along the landscape. Notable installations include the Junma Solar Power Station, completed in 2019, which set a Guinness world record for the largest solar panel image and generates enough electricity for 300,000 to 400,000 people each year.
This solar initiative not only generates energy but also aims to curb desertification by stabilizing dunes and reducing evaporation, enabling local agriculture. As of mid-2024, China leads global solar capacity with 386,875 megawatts, significantly outpacing other countries, reflecting a rapid growth in solar energy deployment.
