China Oil & Gas Pipeline Network Corporation (PipeChina) has achieved a significant milestone by connecting its first large-scale ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) power project, the Jinghe 340 MW PV Project, to the grid for trial operation in Xinjiang.
The PV field and centralized collection station of PipeChina’s Jinghe 340 MW Photovoltaic Project [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Located in Jinghe County, Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, the project spans about 7.1 square kilometers and is set to generate an average of 623 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, with an average annual utilization of 1,409.7 hours. The project is expected to deliver about 592 million kilowatt-hours of power to the grid each year.
The project integrates green and sustainable concepts throughout its design and construction. Following the “solar-grazing complementary” model, the PV brackets are designed with a minimum ground clearance of 1.5 meters, allowing for grazing activities beneath the panels. This innovative “dual-use” approach enables simultaneous power generation and livestock farming, forming an ecological cycle that benefits both energy production and local livelihoods.
Upon commissioning, the generated electricity will be fully connected to the Xinjiang power grid and supplied to PipeChina’s projects and related upstream and downstream users through market-based transactions. It is estimated that the project will save approximately 178,100 tons of standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 488,000 tons, sulfur dioxide by 49.15 tons, and nitrogen oxides by 78.76 tons annually.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
