Construction underway for solar power project in northwest China

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Construction is in full swing to build a 200,000-kilowatt concentrated solar power (CSP) generation system in the solar power-abundant Delingha City of northwest China's Qinghai Province, as part of a one-million-kilowatt solar thermal energy generation and storage project.

Recently, workers have been busy installing heliostats for the CSP project, which is operated by China General Nuclear (CGN) New Energy Delingha.

"At present, our 200,000-kilowatt solar thermal energy storage project's main structures, such as the heat absorption tower and main plant, have all finished roof capping. And the assembly (of heliostats) is expected to be completed in mid-to-late May," said Qi Jinguo, deputy project manager of CGN New Energy Delingha.

Local officials said the city has favorable conditions for the development of the CSP system.

"Delingha City is rich in solar energy resources, with an average annual sunshine duration of about 3,200 hours and an average annual total solar radiation of 7,000 megajoules per square meter," said Wang Hongsheng, deputy director of the development and reform commission of Delingha City.

Compared with traditional photovoltaic power generation projects which are heavily dependent on weather conditions, the one-million-kilowatt solar thermal energy generation and storage project can continue to supply electricity after sunset. 

The key to its constant electricity supply lies in the 200,000-kilowatt CSP project, where heliostats can redirect sunlight onto the solar power tower.

"This is equivalent to installing a 'GPS' for the sun. Each set of heliostats adjusts the reflection angle in real time according to the sunshine. And with the use of an integrated system, we can make the more than 20,000 heliostats to transfer the solar energy received to the center of the solar thermal tower," said Miao Zhiguo, an engineer of CGN New Energy Delingha.

"During the day, the project concentrates sunlight and collects heat to increase the temperature of molten salt, so as to store heat. At night, it utilizes the high-temperature liquid molten salt to release heat. The 'storage and release' process enables generators to release power continuously and stably," said Chao Zengxian, safety engineer of CGN New Energy Delingha. 

According to CGN New Energy Delingha, the project showcases part of the company's efforts to promote sustainable transition from traditional fuel-driven power generation to the production of green energy with solar power.

"After the project is fully completed by the end of this year, we will be capable of supplying 1.8 billion kWh of green electricity to the power grid each year, which is equivalent to saving 550,000 tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1.3 million tons," said Li Tingye, the deputy manager of the operation department at CGN New Energy Delingha.

Construction underway for solar power project in northwest China

China will step up efforts to stabilize employment in 2026, said the head of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS) at a press conference on Saturday.

Last year, China's top political advisory body issued policy guidance known as the "four stabilities", directing relevant ministries and departments to seek stabilization in the areas of jobs, firms, markets and expectations.

In response, the MOHRSS has implemented an employment-first strategy. According to Minister Wang Xiaoping, speaking at a presser on the sidelines of the ongoing fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, the ministry will continue that strategy.

"We will further implement the employment-first strategy and requirements of the 'four stabilities', strengthen guidance, expand channels and prioritize key groups to make new progress in high-quality full employment," she said.

"In terms of 'stabilizing jobs', we will increase support for labor-intensive industries such as foreign trade, construction, accommodation and catering, with the aim of stabilizing employment positions while promoting the development of these sectors. In terms of 'expanding capacity', we will actively tap the employment potential in fields such as the digital economy, high-end manufacturing and modern services to achieve job growth alongside industrial upgrading. In terms of 'improving quality', we will effectively implement the adjustment mechanism for minimum wage standards, regulate the human resources market order, and fully enforce the guarantee system guaranteeing for migrant workers' wage payments, thereby elevating employment quality through strengthened rights protection," she said.

She noted that specific measures will be introduced to assist the upcoming wave of graduates.

"The number of college graduates in China is expected to reach 12.7 million this year. We will further improve policy measures, fully tap the employment potential of various channels and fields, expand employment space at the grassroots level, and help young people display their talents in all walks of life," she said.

China to boost employment with targeted measures: minister