Three Gorges has unveiled plans for a 16.5 GW renewable energy project in China’s Taklamakan Desert, which will generate 8.5 GW of solar power, 4 GW of wind power, 3.96 GW from six ultra-supercritical coal-fired units and 5 GWh of electrochemical energy storage.
Chinese state-owned company Three Gorges Energy has announced plans to invest in a massive integrated renewable energy base in the Taklamakan Desert, in the country’s Xinjiang region.
The total investment for the project is estimated at approximately CNY71.848 billion ($10.09 billion). It will include 8.5 GW of solar energy, 4 GW of wind energy and six ultra-supercritical coal-fired units, each with a capacity of 660 MW, giving a total of 3.96 GW of installed capacity, together with 5 GWh of electrochemical energy storage.
Three Gorges Energy’s subsidiary, Three Gorges Bazhou Ruoqiang Energy Co. Ltd., will lead the investment. Shareholders in the subsidiary include Three Gorges Energy, China Yangtze Power Co. Ltd., Three Gorges Capital Holdings and Yangtze Three Gorges Investment Management Co. Ltd., with stakes of 34%, 33%, 16.5% and 16.5% respectively. .
The registered capital will represent 25% of the total investment, amounting to approximately CNY 18 billion, contributed by the shareholders in proportion to their stake. The remaining 75% will come from syndicated loans, financial leasing and entrusted loans.
The announcement stated that a significant portion of the electricity generated by this integrated “wind-solar-fire-storage” project will be transmitted via ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) lines under construction, connecting southern Xinjiang with the Sichuan regions and Chongqing. The total construction period is expected to be three to four years, with timelines for renewable energy and storage projects adjusted based on the progress of supporting coal-fired projects and electricity transmission lines, ensuring synchronized generation and consumption.
Once completed, Three Gorges Energy estimates that the entire project will provide approximately 36 TWh of clean electricity per year to the Sichuan and Chongqing regions. The project is also expected to contribute significantly to sand control in the Taklamakan Desert region.
The company indicated that all relevant renewable energy projects have secured construction indicators and are progressing in the pre-approval process. The supporting coal project has received necessary approvals, including environmental impact assessments and energy savings assessments, although land use permits are still pending. The other preparatory work is proceeding in an orderly manner.
On the same day, Three Gorges Energy published its third-quarter report for 2024, revealing revenue of CNY21.76 billion for the first three quarters, a year-on-year increase of 12.81%. However, net profit fell 6.31% to CNY 5.093 billion.
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