Xinjiang powers China’s Green Future playing a key role in significantly reducing carbon emissions.
China’s northwestern region of Xinjiang has reached a significant energy milestone, transmitting over 900 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to 22 provincial-level regions across the country since 2010. This is enough to power the entire population of 1.4 billion for nearly 10 months, stabilizing national power supplies and accelerating the country’s transition toward cleaner energy sources.
According to the Xinjiang Power Trading Center, nearly 30 percent of this electricity—around 260 billion kWh—came from renewable sources like wind and solar power. This green energy has replaced coal-fired power, resulting in a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 212 million tons, which is equivalent to removing 46 million cars from the roads for a year.
Xinjiang, abundant in coal, wind, and sunlight, has developed an advanced network of power lines to distribute its resources. This includes four major transmission routes, with two more currently under construction. The newest line, spanning 2,300 kilometers from Hami to Chongqing, is expected to deliver 360 billion kWh annually to Southwest China, enough to power Chongqing’s 32 million residents for over a year.
A notable project is the Zhundong-Wannan power line, which is recognized as the world’s most advanced transmission system. Since 2019, it has supplied electricity to eastern China, replacing 10 billion tons of coal and significantly reducing pollution.
The renewable energy boom in Xinjiang has transformed its landscape, with expansive solar farms and wind turbines now visible across its deserts and grasslands. Green energy capacity has tripled since 2020, reaching 100 gigawatts, which is equivalent to the output of 100 large nuclear plants. In 2024, renewable sources generated 1,161 billion kWh, making them the region’s dominant power source.
Economically, the shift is also visible, with landmarks like the Sayram Lake tourist zone—entirely powered by renewable energy—highlighting this transformation. Wind turbines blend with the scenic views of the area, symbolizing the region’s green transition.
To support this growth, Xinjiang is modernizing its grid and collaborating with other provinces. By using smart trading systems, it efficiently manages power supply, sending surplus solar energy to eastern regions during peak afternoon hours and wind energy at night. “We match supply with demand in real-time,” explained Song Xueqiang from the Xinjiang Power Trading Center.
Xinjiang’s success provides a model for China’s carbon neutrality goals. With plans to launch two additional transmission lines by 2026, the region aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its exports to 50 percent, up from the current 30 percent.
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