A groundbreaking \"solar power and agriculture\" project is making waves in the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert, located in the Hotan area of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. By installing solar panels across this vast desert landscape, the initiative uniquely combines renewable energy with agricultural practices to breathe new life into the region.
After nearly 200 days of construction, the area is witnessing a remarkable transformation. One of the standout changes is the significant reduction in wind speed. Traditionally, this region has grappled with severe sandstorms for five to six months each spring and summer, largely due to the lack of vegetation. The large-scale installation of solar power plants now serves as effective wind barriers. These solar panels not only generate clean energy but also limit the amount of sand carried by the wind, thereby mitigating the impact of sandstorms on nearby communities.
Beyond controlling wind speed, the project focuses on stabilizing sandy soil to prevent erosion. Agricultural practices have been integrated to ensure that plant root systems anchor the soil firmly. Each photovoltaic panel stands approximately 4.5 meters tall, with concrete foundation piles extending about 1.5 meters underground. The panels are tilted at a 33-degree angle, thoughtfully designed to leave ample space for agricultural planting. There are sufficient gaps between the panel arrays and plenty of room beneath each panel to accommodate crop growth.
Agricultural experts have conducted trial plantings of more than ten crop types on the leveled desert land. After assessing factors like water usage and economic benefits, alfalfa emerged as the most suitable plant. Alfalfa, a fodder crop for cattle and sheep, will be extensively planted beneath the photovoltaic panels next spring, promising increased agricultural income for the region.
This innovative project seamlessly integrates power generation, agricultural enhancement, and desertification control. As desertification management efforts continue in the Taklimakan Desert, the \"solar power and agriculture\" approach may serve as a model for future initiatives aimed at creating sustainable and resilient desert environments.
Reference(s):
Innovative approaches to combating desertification in Xinjiang
cgtn.com
