High in the rugged mountains of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, an innovative harmony of tradition and technology unfolds. Thousands of solar panels stretch across the Nileke landscape like a glistening sea, while sheep graze beneath them — their bells echoing through the thin air. This 20,000-hectare site, slightly larger than Paris, represents one of China’s most ambitious renewable energy projects.
Upon completion, the wind and solar farm will generate 5.8 billion kWh annually — enough to power every household in Singapore for a year. CGTN’s recent visit revealed how workers are installing panels at 3,000-meter elevations, battling harsh weather to connect clean energy to the national grid by 2025.
The project exemplifies China’s dual focus on ecological preservation and energy security. Local herders now lease land for solar infrastructure while maintaining livestock traditions, creating a model for sustainable development. Analysts note Xinjiang’s unique geography — abundant sunlight and strong winds — positions it as a cornerstone of China’s pledge to peak carbon emissions before 2030.
As Asia’s energy demands grow, initiatives like Nileke offer insights into balancing industrial growth with environmental stewardship. The site’s success could accelerate renewable investments across Central Asia, reshaping regional energy dynamics.
