Construction has kicked off in Golmud city in Qinghai Province on the Chinese mainland for what is set to become the world's largest single-unit tower-type concentrated solar power (CSP) plant.
Backed by a 5.44 billion yuan investment (about $763 million), Cosin Solar's project harnesses the Chinese mainland's self-developed molten salt energy storage technology. Three towering solar receivers will capture and store heat during daylight hours, feeding a single 350-megawatt steam turbine for reliable, 24/7 power.
Designed to ensure grid stability, the plant will be fully connected by the end of September 2027. Once operational, it's expected to generate approximately 960 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually.
By pioneering large-scale molten salt storage, this CSP facility marks a milestone in renewable energy innovation. It demonstrates how concentrated solar power can meet growing energy demands while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
As the world races toward a sustainable energy future, projects like this tower-type CSP plant are reshaping the global power landscape, offering a blueprint for 24/7 clean energy in sun-rich regions around the globe.
Reference(s):
World's largest single-unit solar power project breaks ground
cgtn.com
