To anyone walking under the heavy smog-laden skies of Beijing, the idea of the entire city running on solar power may seem implausible. The notion of vast fields of solar panels generating enough electricity to sustain one of the world’s most populous and industrially active cities appears more like a dream than reality. However, this vision comes into sharper focus through images captured by NASA’s Landsat 8 and 9 satellites. These images reveal an expansive array of solar panels blanketing the Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia, a testament to China’s ambitious renewable energy goals.
Stretching an astounding 250 miles in length and 3 miles in width, the Kubuqi Desert solar array is poised to become the world’s largest solar power installation by 2030. Currently, it generates 5.4 gigawatts of electricity, but its full potential remains untapped. Dubbed the “photovoltaic sea,” this massive project already consists of more than three million solar panels, shimmering across a vast expanse of previously barren desert land.
The Kubuqi’s geography makes it an ideal location for large-scale solar power generation. NASA notes that the region’s abundant sunshine, relatively flat topography, and proximity to key industrial centers make it a prime candidate for renewable energy expansion. The solar panels are meticulously arranged in long, narrow bands along the desert dunes, just south of the Yellow River, between the industrial cities of Baotou and Bayannur. This strategic placement allows for efficient energy transmission while taking advantage of the region’s natural resources.
One of the most striking features of this vast solar array is a gigantic depiction of a galloping horse, created entirely out of solar panels. This striking image, which pays homage to Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage, has earned the Guinness World Record for the largest image made from solar panels. Officially known as the Fine Horse Solar Power Station, this section alone produces enough electricity to power approximately 400,000 homes.
Beyond its role in energy generation, the Kubuqi Desert solar array is also expected to yield ecological benefits. The desert, historically known as a harsh and unforgiving landscape, was once referred to as the “sea of death” by local inhabitants—a description that dates back to the travels of Marco Polo in the 13th century. However, Chinese officials and environmental scientists believe that the solar project may contribute to a slow but meaningful transformation of the region’s ecosystem.
By covering vast stretches of sand dunes, the solar panels help stabilize the landscape, preventing the shifting sands from encroaching on nearby agricultural fields. The shade provided by the panels also reduces surface temperatures, helping to retain moisture in the soil. This moisture retention could provide an opportunity for hardy plant species to take root, fostering gradual reforestation efforts and mitigating desertification—a major challenge in Western China, where arid conditions threaten both local communities and agriculture.
China has long struggled with balancing its rapid industrial growth with environmental conservation. Desertification and water scarcity are persistent issues in the country’s western regions, making sustainable energy projects like the Kubuqi solar array crucial to long-term development. While heavy industries and resource importation have historically played a major role in supporting local livelihoods, authorities are increasingly looking toward renewable energy as a means of sustainable economic development.
In a September 2023 report by China Daily, the mayor of Ordos, a city located near the Fine Horse Solar Power Plant, revealed that local farmers have begun experimenting with agriculture beneath the solar panels. Early results indicate success, with crops managing to grow in the shaded environment provided by the panels. This dual-purpose land use—energy generation combined with sustainable agriculture—could provide a model for similar projects across other arid regions of China.
Looking ahead, Chinese authorities believe that the Kubuqi solar array could one day provide enough power to sustain all of Beijing. By channeling solar energy through the Gansu Corridor into north-central China, the project could significantly reduce the capital’s reliance on coal-based power, cutting carbon emissions and enhancing energy security. While challenges remain, including grid infrastructure and energy storage solutions, the Kubuqi Desert solar array represents a bold step toward a future powered by renewable energy.
As China continues to push the boundaries of solar power innovation, the Kubuqi Desert serves as a striking example of how human ingenuity and sustainable technology can reshape landscapes, support communities, and pave the way for a cleaner energy future.
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