Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region has made significant strides in accelerating clean energy development, surpassing targets set by the government, according to a white paper released by the State Council Information Office. The region has leveraged its unique natural and geographical environment to establish a national clean energy base, aligning with China’s commitment to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
The white paper, titled CPC Policies on the Governance of Xizang in the New Era: Approach and Achievements, reveals that clean energy now accounts for nearly 90 percent of the installed power generation capacity in the region. Moreover, Xizang has exceeded its three-year target of transmitting 6.1 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity by delivering over 7 billion kWh as of October. This accomplishment is estimated to have reduced standard coal consumption by 2.18 million tonnes and carbon dioxide emissions by 5.34 million tonnes.
The State Grid Corporation of China predicts that the region’s clean energy transmission will reach 7.1 billion kWh by the end of this year, further contributing to environmental sustainability. The transmission of electricity will also create economic benefits, amounting to approximately 1.95 billion yuan (around $267 million), benefiting more than 70 power generation enterprises in Xizang.
Highlighting the continued commitment to clean energy, Xizang recently signed three-year framework agreements with 17 provincial-level power grids, including Beijing, Shanghai, Sichuan, and Gansu. These agreements will facilitate the coordination of clean energy delivery and power purchase needs from 2024 to 2026. The partnerships will expand Xizang’s clean electricity delivery during flood seasons, ensuring a stable power supply during the dry season. Moreover, the agreements are projected to save 2.24 million tonnes of standard coal and 5.59 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, while meeting the region’s average annual growth demand of 12.7 percent for electricity consumption.
Xizang’s remarkable progress in clean energy development can be attributed to its abundant natural resources, such as water, solar, wind, and geothermal energy. The region’s solar energy development alone has reached over 9.8 billion kilowatts. Xizang proudly hosts the country’s highest-altitude wind farm, located in Zhegu Town, Comai County. This ultra-high wind farm, with turbines installed at altitudes ranging from 5,000 to 5,200 meters above sea level, is capable of generating over 200 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This amount of electricity can meet the consumption needs of approximately 140,000 households each year.
The accomplishments made by Xizang in clean energy development signify its pivotal role as an important base for China’s clean energy sector. With its commitment to sustainability and surpassing targets, Xizang serves as a model for other regions in China and around the world in the transition to clean and renewable energy sources.
