Xinjiang's new energy generation growth outstrips electricity consumption growth in Q1 2026

Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has consolidated its position as a major green energy hub, with new energy generation growth outstripping its total electricity consumption growth for the first time in the first quarter of 2026, according to the State Grid Corporation of China.

In the January to March period, Xinjiang's total electricity consumption rose by 7.1 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) year-on-year, while the region's power generation from wind and photovoltaic new energy sources hit 38.1 billion kWh, an increase of 8.4 billion kWh compared with the first quarter of 2025, equivalent to 118 percent of the total increment of the region's electricity consumption.

"This change has demonstrated that new energy generation has become the main force behind the growth in electricity consumption, marking a fundamental transformation in Xinjiang's energy structure and reflecting our continuously improved capacity to supply green power," said Cai Pengcheng, deputy director of the Regulation Division at the Dispatching and Control Center of State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Company.

At present, the cumulative installed capacity of new energy on Xinjiang's power grid has reached nearly 170 million kilowatts, accounting for more than 60 percent of the region's total installed power capacity. Xinjiang has built a distinctive green power supply system characterized by "wind power in northern Xinjiang, photovoltaic power in southern Xinjiang, and multi-energy complementation", providing solid power supply support for the steady growth of new energy generation.

To optimize the utilization of new energy power, Xinjiang has launched "off-peak green power trading" programs, which precisely match Xinjiang's midday power generation with evening consumption peaks in central and eastern China. So far, the cumulative outbound transmission of new energy power from Xinjiang has exceeded 300 billion kWh, accounting for nearly 30 percent of the region's total outbound power delivery.

Xinjiang's new energy generation growth outstrips electricity consumption growth in Q1 2026

From augmented reality (AR) cycling glasses to autonomous boats and drone deliveries, sci-tech applications are making spring outings in China more appealing, convenient and smarter, boosting the country's tourism sector.

The ancient city wall in Xi'an, the provincial capital of Shaanxi in northwest China, has deployed smart autonomous boats carrying tourists smoothly through the moat beneath the wall. Some passengers take photos of the scenery, while others brew tea on board, enjoying the relaxation in spring.

"I think the smart boats are more convenient, and the speed is just right. It allows people to focus more on the scenery," said a tourist surnamed Mr. Wang.

On the ancient wall, visitors renting bicycles can simultaneously rent AR-enabled smart glasses. As they ride, the glasses automatically trigger audio guides for sights in view, making every detail of the wall more vivid and engaging.

"Since launching the smart boats and AR cycling glasses, tourists on average stay 30 percent longer than before," said Zhu Yuan, head of the cultural and tourism development of the Xi'an City Wall management committee.

In Hundred Springs Yuanshui Park in Xingtai City, north China's Hebei Province, visitors stroll among the springs while experiencing immersive attractions such as glass-free giant-screen theaters and cinemas with six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) motion systems, exploring the area's historical evolution.

"It feels like flying over the springs and a sea of flowers. The perspective is very novel and stunning. It's my first time experiencing sightseeing this way, and it's very interesting," said a visitor.

In the Huangshan scenic area in east China's Anhui Province, technology is also enhancing the visitor experience, with drones offering delivery services in parks and on-demand unmanned vending vehicles providing instant services.

Sci-tech services add new appeal to spring tourism