In the heart of Inner Mongolia, a pioneering pilot project is rewiring the relationship between energy, ecology and economy. By combining solar panels with grassland restoration, this initiative is proving that deserts can bloom and communities can thrive.
Photovoltaic Grazing Halts Desertification
At the CGN Keyouzhong Banner Integrated Project of Desertification Control, a 300 MW photovoltaic (PV) system tops rows of drought-tolerant grasses, including ryegrass, green foxtail and alfalfa. Beneath these panels, over 753 hectares of land once scarred by wind-eroded pits now support lush vegetation. The PV panels’ shade and temperature regulation boost grass growth, creating a win-win ecological-economic model.
'The area was once dotted with patchy grasslands; strong winds exposed bare sandy soil,' explains Xu Xiang, the project’s electrical manager. Thanks to this grass-PV complementary design, vegetation coverage has jumped from under 50 percent to more than 70 percent.
Economic and Environmental Gains
This integrated solution delivers annual carbon dioxide reductions of 350,000 tonnes and generates real income for local herders. Residents of Keyouzhong Banner can harvest forage fee-free for winter livestock feed, while others earn wages on site or by renting grass-planting machinery.
Green Aluminum Fuels Low-Carbon Shift
Beyond solar grazing, eastern Inner Mongolia is driving the low-carbon transformation of heavy industries. Companies like Inner Mongolia Huomei Hongjun Aluminum & Power are sourcing 45 percent of their energy from green electricity, cutting carbon emissions in aluminum production.
From Wasteland to Treasure Basin
The region’s green development blueprint links new energy deployment, equipment manufacturing and traditional industry upgrades. By scaling models such as integrated wind-PV-storage and green electricity substitution, Inner Mongolia is turning former sandy wasteland into a thriving green energy valley and blueprint for sustainable growth.
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Sandy wasteland to green valley: Inner Mongolia's new energy drive
cgtn.com
