The Tarim Oilfield, China's third-largest onshore oil and gas production base, has achieved a renewable energy breakthrough with its solar power generation surpassing 2 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) this year. This milestone, announced on December 28, 2025, demonstrates the facility's dual role in traditional energy production and green transition efforts.
With five centralized solar plants and 239 distributed photovoltaic installations, the Xinjiang-based operation now boasts 2.66 million kilowatts of installed solar capacity. Liang Yulei, head of the oilfield's new energy department, emphasized the environmental impact: "This clean energy output replaces 600,000 tonnes of coal annually while powering homes across China."
The project's hybrid energy model directs 8% of solar power to on-site oil and gas operations, reducing the facility's carbon footprint, while 92% feeds into regional power grids. This balance between industrial needs and public energy demands reflects China's broader strategy to develop its western energy bases.
Located in the resource-rich Taklimakan Desert, the Tarim Oilfield continues to serve as a crucial hub for both conventional energy production and renewable innovation. Its solar achievements align with Xinjiang's growing status as a national leader in wind and solar energy development.
