China’s Xinjiang transforms deserts into a renewable energy goldmine
Wire desk byline Sourced from Xinhua, Dawn, Arab News, Anadolu and Minute Mirror. Translated and abridged by the GSRRA Desk.
An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 22, 2025 shows a photovoltaic power station and transmission lines in the Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)
A drone photo taken on April 24, 2025 shows staff members checking power transmission lines of an ultra-high voltage (UHV) direct current transmission project linking Xinjiang with southwest China’s Chongqing, in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Photo by Zhang Lingjun/Xinhua)
This photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows power lines of the Changji-Guquan ±1100 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in the Kazak Autonomous County of Mori, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua)
A staff member selects photovoltaic panels to be sent to a photovoltaic power station in Cele County of Hotan Prefecture, at the workshop of a new energy company in Ruoqiang County, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 22, 2025. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)
Sheep forage as a staff member patrols the power lines of the Changji-Guquan ±1100 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in the Kazak Autonomous County of Mori, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 6, 2025. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 22, 2025 shows a four-million-kilowatt photovoltaic project in Ruoqiang County, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)
This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2025 shows an automatic machine cutting photovoltaic panels at the workshop of a new energy company in Ruoqiang County, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)
Staff members examine the quality of photovoltaic panels at a new energy company in Ruoqiang County, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 22, 2025. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)
An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 22, 2025 shows a four-million-kilowatt photovoltaic project in Ruoqiang County, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)
An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 22, 2025 shows a photovoltaic power station and transmission lines in the Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)
An aerial drone photo taken on July 28, 2025 shows a 1GW solar thermal and photovoltaic integrated project in Shanshan County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Photo by Xu Zipeng/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 22, 2025 shows staff members patrolling a four-million-kilowatt photovoltaic project in Ruoqiang County, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)
An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 22, 2025 shows a four-million-kilowatt photovoltaic project in Ruoqiang County, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)
An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 22, 2025 shows a photovoltaic power station and transmission lines in the Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)
An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 22, 2025 shows the construction site of a power supply project in Ruoqiang County, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)
An aerial drone photo taken on April 27, 2025 shows a view of the Santanghu wind power farm in Hami City of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on April 8, 2025 shows a view of the Hami-Chongqing ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current transmission project in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines, and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Photo by Zhang Lingjun/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo shows the Barkol converter station, a key transmitting end of the Hami-Chongqing ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current transmission project, in Hami, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 17, 2025. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Photo by Feng Yang/Xinhua)
A staff member works at the workshop of a new energy company in Ruoqiang County, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 22, 2025. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)
An aerial drone photo taken on April 8, 2025, shows a view of the Hami-Chongqing ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current transmission project in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines, and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine. (Photo by Zhang Lingjun/Xinhua)
Staff members work on the production line of photovoltaic panels at the workshop of a new energy company in Ruoqiang County, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 22, 2025. Xinjiang, a region rich in solar and wind energy resources, has vigorously developed the new energy industry in recent years, accelerating the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power base projects.
A 750-kilovolt (kV) “power expressway loop,” the country’s largest of its kind, has taken shape throughout Xinjiang, providing strong support for efficient energy allocation. Today, about one-third of the electricity transmitted in Xinjiang comes from clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. It transmits over 270 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity to other regions.
Besides, an increasing number of companies are developing clean energy in Xinjiang, driving the region’s green development. The categories of new energy equipment manufacturing industries in Xinjiang, such as silicon wafers, photovoltaic modules, wind turbines, and blades, have been continuously enriched, and the industrial chain has been rapidly improved.
Xinjiang’s sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine.
Reference Link:- https://english.news.cn/20250927/91e3361839e944309209ab57a93fd501/c.html;
Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founder and Chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, a think tank in Islamabad. He studied engineering at Shanghai University in the 1980s, and years later he went back to China as Pakistan's science counsellor in Beijing, from 2010 until 2016, working on science and higher education cooperation between the two countries.…
