Southern Xinjiang's first wind power project, standing at an average altitude of 3,100 meters, went into operation on Saturday in Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture.
The project, located in Wuqia County of the Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang which is part of the Pamir Plateau, is also the country's westernmost wind farm. Its entry into operation signified a breakthrough of China in developing wind energy in high-altitude areas.
The first batch of 20 wind turbines is expected to generate approximately 270 million kWh of electricity annually, delivering clean energy to the local area while providing valuable experience for building high-altitude, low-wind-speed wind farms. Once the wind farm's all 38 wind turbines are operational, its total installed capacity will reach 200,000 kilowatts.
"The wind power project is the first of its kind in southern Xinjiang. Its completion and operation mark an end to the region's history without wind-generated electricity. The project will complement the local power supply provided by hydropower and photovoltaic power stations in the Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture. Its four-hour energy storage system will participate in the peak-shaving of the power grid, greatly enhancing the safe and stable operation capability of the local power network," said Zhang Shigang, chairman of the Xinjiang branch of Longyuan Power under CHN Energy, the project's operator.
The project is scheduled to be fully operational by year-end. Once put into full operation, its annual power generation will reach about 540 million kWh, capable of meeting the annual electricity needs of about 300,000 households, further optimizing the local energy mix.
Southern Xinjiang's first wind farm goes into operation
Southern Xinjiang's first wind farm goes into operation
