The Inner Mongolia autonomous region in northern China is a vast territory that embodies the nation’s ambitious efforts to transition to renewable energy sources. With its expansive wind and solar resources, this vast expanse is playing a vital role in China’s green transition and setting a global precedent for sustainable development.
Key Statistics and Capabilities
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- 1.46 billion kilowatts of exploitable wind energy capacity, accounting for 57% of the national total.
- 9.4 billion kW of solar energy potential, which is 21% of the national total.
- Over 10,000 kW of newly installed renewable power capacity for every 100,000 kW nationwide, with Inner Mongolia generating over 66% of this.
- A total installed renewable power capacity of over 135 million kW, surpassing that of coal-fired power.
- A renewable energy output of 210 billion kilowatt-hours, equivalent to twice the annual output of the Three Gorges Dam.
Transforming the Region’s Economy and Environment
As the autonomous region pushes forward with its renewable energy development, it is also making strides in transforming its economy and environment. Renewable energy now contributes 25% of the region’s total electrical power generation. This has resulted in significant reductions in carbon emissions, with the annual output of 180 million tons, equivalent to saving 66 million metric tons of standard coal. The economic impact of the region’s renewable energy efforts has been substantial. In 2024, the total added value of renewable energy and related industries in Inner Mongolia grew by 20.1% year-on-year, with new energy equipment manufacturing experiencing significant growth. Exports of electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and solar panels soared 45.3% to 4.18 billion yuan ($573 million).
Ecological Restoration and Innovative Technologies
The Inner Mongolia autonomous region is also making significant strides in ecological restoration, particularly in the Kubuqi Desert. This vast expanse was once known as the “Sea of Death” but has been transformed into a model for integrating ecological restoration with new energy development. The Kubuqi model integrates solar power generation with agriculture and animal husbandry, using photovoltaic panels to provide canopies that help enhance plant survival and support the growth of drought-resistant crops.
The Kubuqi Desert’s Transformation
Once a barren wasteland, the Kubuqi Desert has been transformed into a thriving region, thanks to the integration of solar power generation with agriculture and animal husbandry. The area is now covered by an array of solar panels, with the NASA Earth Observatory releasing satellite images showing the “Solar Great Wall” stretching 400 kilometers, with an average width of 5 km. This project, once completed, will help restore vegetation on about 200,000 hectares of the desert and generate 180 billion kWh of electricity annually, serving as both a “blue energy wall” and a green ecological barrier. The Kubuqi Desert’s transformation is a testament to the region’s commitment to sustainable development and its innovative approach to ecological restoration.
Green Hydrogen and Advanced Technologies
The Inner Mongolia autonomous region is also exploring ways to utilize its renewable power resources and expand its electrical equipment manufacturing industry. The region is advancing its green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol industries, converting green electricity into green products. This includes establishing the nation’s largest computing power base with nearly 80% of the energy sourced from renewables. These efforts have helped Inner Mongolia reach a renewable energy utilization rate of 94% last year, with green electricity accounting for nearly one-third of the total consumption.
Economic Benefits and Recognition
The economic benefits of the region’s renewable energy efforts have been substantial. The total added value of renewable energy and related industries in Inner Mongolia grew 20.1% year-on-year, with new energy equipment manufacturing experiencing significant growth. The region’s efforts have also gained global recognition, with the United Nations Environment Programme designating the Kubuqi Desert as an ecological economy demonstration zone in 2014.
