As large as New York City, this new photovoltaic plant produces enough solar energy to supply an entire country with electricity. It is the most powerful in the world currently.
On June 6, 2024, the world’s largest solar power plant was commissioned in China, marking a spectacular breakthrough in the field of renewable energy. This gigantic facility, located in a desert region of the northwest province of Xinjiang, covers more than 2,000 hectares, roughly the size of New York City. With a capacity of more than 6 billion kilowatt hours per year, this plant is capable of providing enough electricity to power a country the size of Luxembourg or Papua New Guinea.
This 5 gigawatt (GW) photovoltaic plant has been connected to the Chinese grid, surpassing other major solar projects in the country such as Ningxia Teneggeli and Golmud Wutumeiren to become the largest in the world. China, already far advanced in solar energy adoption, continues to increase its capacity at an impressive rate. In 2023, the country will see its solar capacity increase by more than 50%.
According to a recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), China’s momentum towards renewable energy is described as “extraordinary”. The country commissioned as much solar capacity last year as the rest of the world combined in 2022. China is on track to account for nearly 60% of the new renewable capacity expected to become operational worldwide by 2028 And by 2030, nearly half of China’s electricity generation will come from renewable energy sources, playing a crucial role in meeting global targets to triple renewable energy.
The massive increase in solar panel production in China is not limited to large installations like the one in Xinjiang. A 2023 analysis by Longi Green Energy Technology estimated that if solar panels were installed on roofs and buildings across the country, it could produce enough electricity to power every home in China and South Asia -Is reunited.
For individuals and families, transitioning to solar energy has many benefits. Installing solar panels on roofs can significantly reduce electricity bills while contributing to a more sustainable future. With the falling costs of solar panels and government incentives available in many countries, it has never been easier to go solar.