Xizang makes strides in green energy production

The Xizang autonomous region has made significant progress in the development of clean energy, with more than 90 percent of its power supply now coming from green sources, and more funds are expected to fuel its growth.

The region in Southwest China generates 53.72 percent of its electricity from hydropower, 36.32 percent from solar power and 1.4 percent from wind power, showcasing a substantial shift toward sustainable energy sources, according to State Grid Tibet Electric Power Co.

In addition, the company has signed a groundbreaking power-assistance framework agreement that is projected to result in outward electrical transmission of 15.5 billion kilowatt-hours from 2024 to 2026.

Notably, the Qinghai-Xizang direct current transmission capacity has been increased to over 400,000 kilowatts. The company said that last year, the Xizang power grid delivered 2.57 billion kWh of electricity to other provinces and regions, up 13.98 percent year-on-year.

Hua Ming, deputy director of the company's development and planning department, said their efforts have led to a reduction in coal consumption by 1.03 million metric tons and a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions by 2.52 million tons.

"Among all the deals that our company has signed, the landmark power-assistance framework agreement features the largest transaction scale and the highest number of participating provinces, and it promises substantial economic benefits for Xizang," he said.

Furthermore, the company has been steadfast in promoting the construction of a green power market. It organized two green electricity transactions in December, delivering 2.77 million kWh to Chongqing via the Sichuan-Xizang interconnected power grid, thereby contributing to a major breakthrough in the region's green power exchanges.

Hua said the company will proactively contribute to the construction of the national clean energy base, expedite research and construction efforts in the demonstration area for the new type of power system in central Xizang, and better leverage the role of its clean energy innovation development center.

"In addition, the company will work to employ the power grid in the high-quality development of new energy and the development of industries such as heating, oxygen supply and hydrogen production," he added.

Meanwhile, the region's rich geothermal resources, which are both clean and sustainable, have greatly contributed to its geothermal power production. This plays a key role in its overall strategy for the development of clean energy sources.

The Yangyi geothermal power station in Damshung county of the region, China's only geothermal power station in operation, has generated more than 500 million kWh of electricity since it began operation in September 2018.

Yuan Hai, deputy general manager of the geothermal power station, said it can help cut 420,000 tons of carbon dioxide, 6,200 tons of nitrogen oxide and 12,000 tons of sulfur dioxide emissions annually, as well as save 116,000 tons of standard coal.

He said the station produced 130 million kWh of electricity in 2023, and has an average annual power generating duration of 8,700 hours. "Basically, the station achieved full generation throughout the year, and its stable power supply has played an important role in ensuring Xizang's sustained electricity supply."

When delivering a government work report at the annual session of the regional people's congress earlier this month, Yan Jinhai, chairman of the regional government, said Xizang plans to support and enhance the development of green energy in 2024.

"The region will set up a dedicated fund for the clean energy industry, mainly comprising special bonds, to ensure a growth of over 25 percent in installed power capacity," he said, adding that the promotion of clean energy heating and oxygen supply projects will be accelerated according to local conditions.