China's First Solar-Thermal Power Plant Goes Online in Gobi Desert

China has launched the world's first solar-thermal power plant in the Gobi Desert, using 27,000 mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto two towers that produce heat for steam, driving turbines for power generation. The dual-tower design is 25% more effective and allows for cost savings on mirrors, paving the way for future expansion of solar thermal power generation in China. The plant is part of a clean-energy hub that will provide electricity to around 500,000 households annually.

China has made a significant stride in renewable energy technology with the launch of the world's first dual-tower solar thermal power plant in the Gobi Desert. The plant, built by the China Three Gorges Corporation in Guazhou County, utilizes 27,000 mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto two 200-meter-high towers, producing heat that is stored and used to generate electricity even after sunset or during cloudy weather World's first solar-thermal power plant commences in China's Gobi Desert^[1].

The innovative dual-tower design, which allows one tower to capture sunlight in the morning and the other in the afternoon, enhances overall efficiency by 25% compared to a single-tower design. This setup not only increases the plant's effectiveness but also reduces the number of mirrors needed, leading to significant cost savings World's first solar-thermal power plant commences in China's Gobi Desert^[1].

The plant's ability to generate electricity even after sunset sets it apart from traditional solar panels, which rely on direct sunlight. This capability is particularly beneficial in regions with intermittent sunlight, such as the Gobi Desert. The dual-tower system can store heat in molten salt, which acts as a thermal battery, ensuring continuous power generation World's first dual-tower solar thermal power plant starts trial operation^[2].

The Gobi Desert plant is part of a broader clean-energy hub that includes extensive solar and wind farms. Together, these facilities are projected to provide electricity to around 500,000 households annually World's first solar-thermal power plant commences in China's Gobi Desert^[1]. This project is a step forward in China's clean energy strategy, which initially focused on building extensive low-cost photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy capacity. Solar thermal power has emerged as a complementary technology to bridge the gaps left by intermittent solar and wind energy sources World's first solar-thermal power plant commences in China's Gobi Desert^[1].

China has already built 21 commercial solar thermal power plants with a combined capacity of 1.57 million kilowatts, with an additional 30 projects under construction expected to add another 3.1 million kilowatts of capacity World's first solar-thermal power plant commences in China's Gobi Desert^[1]. Globally, the 700-megawatt Noor Energy 1 project in the United Arab Emirates is currently the largest operating solar thermal complex. China has also been involved in developing major solar thermal projects in Morocco and Chile World's first solar-thermal power plant commences in China's Gobi Desert^[1].

The successful trial operation of the Gobi Desert plant marks a significant milestone in China's clean energy initiatives. This project not only demonstrates China's technological prowess but also highlights the potential of solar thermal power as a viable source of renewable energy World's first dual-tower solar thermal power plant starts trial operation^[2].