Deep in the arid expanse of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a monumental engineering feat is unfolding. The 750kV Tarim Basin Rim Power Grid, stretching across southern Xinjiang’s rugged terrain, is entering its final phase of construction. Crews are battling sandstorms, steep mountain passes, and shifting desert landscapes to complete the critical Hetian-Minfeng-Qiemo-Ruoqiang section—a segment described as the project’s most technically demanding.
Spanning approximately 1.08 million square kilometers, the grid will form a closed loop upon completion, delivering a stable and resilient power supply to one of China’s most resource-rich yet geographically isolated regions. Engineers emphasize that the infrastructure will accelerate Xinjiang’s shift toward renewable energy integration and support local economic growth through improved industrial capacity.
For residents and businesses in southern Xinjiang, the project promises to mitigate chronic electricity shortages while unlocking opportunities in sectors like manufacturing and technology. Analysts note that enhanced energy reliability could also strengthen cross-regional connectivity, aligning with broader development goals for western China.
