Yan Hongguang
China is ramping up efforts to develop new energy bases in the Gobi Desert in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, a move highlighted in this year's Government Work Report that sets a clear path for the region's energy companies.
Yan Hongguang, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and Party secretary and chairman of Inner Mongolia Energy Group, said new energy development will be at the heart of the company's future operations as the region aims to establish itself as a major national energy and strategic resource hub.
Inner Mongolia has abundant renewable resources, ranking among the top provincial-level regions in China for wind and solar energy potential. Yan said the region holds more than half the nation's wind energy resources, placing it first in the country, and one-fifth of the nation's solar energy resources, ranking second.
"The potential for new energy development in the region is equivalent to the generating capacity of 53 Three Gorges projects, offering immense opportunities," Yan said.
Last year, Inner Mongolia Energy Group saw its new projects nearly quadruple, with the capacity of generating 51.1 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity annually and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 40 million metric tons — equivalent to planting 2.2 billion trees, according to the company.
The company's installed capacity of new energy projects in operation and under construction now exceeds that of thermal power, surpassing 34 million kilowatts.
"The ecological health of Inner Mongolia is vital not only for the livelihood of its residents, but also for national ecological security," Yan said. "As a major energy company in the region, we are working to integrate desertification prevention and control with wind and solar energy projects, and exploring innovative models that combine desertification control with renewable energy."
An employee of Inner Mongolia Energy Group carries out inspection work. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In February, the company began construction on the first phase of its Dalad Banner 500,000-kilowatt photovoltaic project in the Kubuqi Desert in Ordos, Inner Mongolia. The project, with an investment of 2.5 billion yuan ($350 million), aims to generate 800 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, saving about 390,000 tons of coal and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by about 790,000 tons.
The project integrates photovoltaic power with desertification control by growing drought-resistant crops and forage under the solar panels while developing livestock farming on site, creating both ecological and economic benefits. Once completed, it is expected to improve the local environment and increase income for farmers and herders.
"In 2025, we will also try to start the construction of long-distance hydrogen pipelines. By integrating multiple energy sources such as wind, solar, thermal and hydrogen storage, we aim to transform the Gobi Desert into a green power hub, contributing to Inner Mongolia's energy transition," Yan said.
Inner Mongolia, a traditional energy powerhouse, is also pursuing innovative reforms in conventional energy to enhance efficiency.
"Last year, Inner Mongolia Energy Group invested over 100 million yuan in technology, implementing 37 new technologies such as intelligent fuel management and high-voltage frequency conversion to significantly boost the efficiency and economic performance of traditional energy," Yan said.
