The huge Dalad Photovoltaic Power Base in the Kubuqi Desert in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The construction of the No 1 project of the Dalad PV Power Base was recently completed in Dalad Banner, administered by Ordos city in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

The solar power base, approved by the National Energy Administration on June 14 last year, was installed in the Kubuqi Desert, the seventh largest desert in China. 

The power plant cost 325 million yuan ($47.93 million) and is a key project in the Kubuqi Desert Economic Pilot Zone, planned and built by Dalad Banner.

Construction of solar power basewas divided into five projects and started on Oct 12, 2019.

The facility covers a total planned area of 25,000 mu (1,666.67 hectares).

Solar panels and newly planted trees cover this area of the Kubuqi Desert in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Officials said it will help promote the integrated development of the desert clean energy economy, desert ecological management, desert agriculture and desert tourism -- to realize comprehensive land utilization.

When fully operating, it will have an annual power generation capacity of 2 billion kWh and generating annual output worth 620 million yuan ($91.5 million). 

It will also save 660,000 metric tons of coal, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.65 million tons and reduce dust emissions by 450,000 tons every year.

Meanwhile, areas neighboring the facility will plant 48,000 mu of grasslands and forests, about 24,000 mu of red date forests and about 12,000 mu of traditional Chinese herbal medicine scutellaria and astragalus to help restore the environment.

Officials said that construction of the solar power farm will have great and far-reaching significance for the development of modern energy and economy in Dalad Banner, optimizing the environment and accelerating progress in the treatment of the Kubuqi Desert.

Plants grow in the barren Kubuqi Desert due to efforts made by Dalad Banner. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]