In the heart of Inner Mongolia's Hinggan League, a once-barren landscape is now a thriving green energy valley. The China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) Keyouzhong Banner Integrated Project has turned 11,300 mu of sandy wasteland into a dual-purpose zone: solar panels generate clean energy while drought-resistant grasses combat desertification beneath them. This 'grass-PV complementary' model has boosted vegetation coverage from 50% to over 70%, while producing 300 MW of solar power and storing 45 MW in energy reserves.
From Sand to Sustainability
'The panels act as protective shields,' explains Xu Xiang, the project's Electrical Manager. By regulating temperature and reducing evaporation, the setup enables growth of forage crops like alfalfa and ryegrass. Local herders now harvest winter livestock feed freely, while others earn income through project-related work—a direct economic boost for residents.
Green Aluminum Revolution
Beyond energy, eastern Inner Mongolia is decarbonizing heavy industry. Inner Mongolia Huomei Hongjun Aluminum & Power Co. now sources 45% of its energy from renewables, slashing emissions in a sector traditionally reliant on coal. This shift aligns with regional plans to transform high-energy industries through 'green electricity substitution.'
A Blueprint for Arid Regions
The project's success—350,000 tons of annual CO2 reduction and revived ecosystems—demonstrates how integrated energy solutions can balance economic growth and environmental protection. As Ji Rentai of Keyouzhong Banner's Forestry Bureau notes: 'This isn't just about stopping sand. It's about creating value where none existed.'
