Kashgar, China now has more than 10.2 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity. This figure comes from the State Grid Kashgar Power Supply Company. It represents 75.7% of the city’s total installed power capacity.
The new total makes Kashgar the first area in Xinjiang to complete a solar-only power base above the 10 GW level. The solar projects are supported by local desert and Gobi terrain. These landscapes are being used for utility-scale energy projects.
Kashgar gets over 2,800 hours of sunlight each year. According to the local power company, the area’s total solar potential could reach up to 200 GW. As of now, 22.24 GW has been officially approved for development.
Local plans include large-scale projects grouped into two categories. County-level developments are designed to reach the 1 GW level. Prefecture-wide developments aim for 10 GW or more. To support the expansion, the State Grid Kashgar Power Supply Company introduced a full-cycle service for solar power grid connection.
To help manage the new capacity, the city is working on a 750-kilovolt double-ring grid reinforcement project. This grid upgrade is budgeted at 7.8 billion yuan, or about USD 1.09 billion. When finished, it will increase power transmission capability by 5 GW.
In addition, Kashgar has installed a smart platform that helps control power from various sources. The system includes solar, hydro, and battery storage. It adjusts supply to match high-demand industries and other large power users.
Some smaller projects are also underway. In Shule County, a solar plant with a capacity of 200 MW has been developed. In Tashkurgan, a hybrid system is being built that includes 50 MW of solar capacity and a 20 MWh battery storage unit.
Agrivoltaic systems are being tested in parts of Yengisar County. These projects allow solar panels to be installed above crops, combining power generation with farming on the same land.
