The CGN Delingha 1GW Integrated Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and PV Project is one of the “Top 100 Strategic Emerging Industry Projects” identified by China’s State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), as well as a key project under the country’s second batch of large-scale wind and solar base initiatives. At the time of construction commencement, it was the world’s largest molten salt tower CSP project under development in terms of single-unit capacity. It also represents a benchmark multi-energy complementary project in China, featuring a leading energy storage ratio and demonstrating large-scale CSP deployment.
The project is located in the Delingha Solar (PV & CSP) Industrial Park in Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, within the Qaidam Basin. With a total installed capacity of 1GW, the project consists of a 200MW molten salt tower CSP plant as its core component, complemented by an 800MW photovoltaic (PV) facility. CGN Solar Energy Delingha Co., Ltd. serves as the sole project developer, responsible for full lifecycle investment, construction, and operation. The EPC contract is led by PowerChina Northwest Engineering Corporation, in consortium with PowerChina Hubei Electric Engineering Co., Ltd. and Northwest Hydropower Engineering Co., Ltd.
The project adopts a mature, domestically developed molten salt tower technology. The heliostat field comprises 21,534 square heliostats, each with an area of 30 m², resulting in a total reflective area of 646,020 m². A 188.5-meter reinforced concrete receiver tower with a variable cross-section has been constructed, equipped with a high-temperature molten salt thermal energy storage system providing 6 hours of storage under rated conditions, with a total effective thermal storage capacity of 2,646 MWhth. Additionally, a 100MW PV curtailment-powered electric heating storage system is integrated. The core equipment includes China’s first domestically developed 200MW CSP steam turbine, with a high level of localization across key components.
Construction of the main project officially commenced on March 13, 2024. The supporting 800MW PV project achieved full-capacity grid connection in December 2024. In January 2026, the 200MW CSP unit successfully completed its first turbine roll, marking entry into the commissioning phase. The project has now met the conditions for grid connection and is advancing toward full-capacity operation.
Core Value and Comprehensive Benefits
Upon full completion, the 1GW integrated project is expected to deliver approximately 1.8 billion kWh of electricity annually, saving around 550,000 tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1.3 million tons per year. The project offers significant ecological and energy security benefits.
By leveraging the deep integration of long-duration thermal storage from CSP with PV generation, the project effectively absorbs curtailed solar power, smooths renewable output fluctuations, and aligns well with the grid characteristics of Northwest China—where daytime curtailment and nighttime power deficits are common. It significantly enhances grid flexibility and renewable energy consumption, serving as a critical support project for the development of a new-type power system. Its implementation is expected to strongly support Qinghai’s ambition to become a national clean energy hub and marks a milestone in the localization and large-scale deployment of CSP technology in China.
Major Project Participants
Major Project Milestones
- September 2023 – EPC tender officially launched, marking the start of project preparation
- March 13, 2024 – Main construction officially commenced
- May 16, 2024 – Main power block foundation completed (reached “zero elevation”)
- July 30, 2024 – First heliostat assembly completed; field installation began
- September 1, 2024 – Receiver tower exceeded 100 meters in height
- October 25, 2024 – Receiver tower (188.5m) and main power block successfully topped out
- December 13, 2024 – 800MW PV project achieved full-capacity grid connection
- February 18, 2025 – First domestically developed 200MW CSP steam turbine delivered onsite
- April 2025 – Overall project progress reached 80%; installation phase fully underway
- May 2025 – All 21,534 heliostats installed; heliostat field construction completed
- September 2025 – Successful backfeed power transmission test
- January 2026 – First turbine roll completed; project entered commissioning phase
- March 2026 – System-wide commissioning ongoing, targeting full-capacity grid connection
To stay updated on the latest developments and operational performance of CSP projects, you are welcome to attend the 13th China International Concentrated Solar Power Conference (CPC2026), to be held on May 28–29, 2026 in Chengdu, China. Join global CSP experts, project developers, investors, EPC contractors, and industry stakeholders to explore the future of large-scale CSP deployment.
