QINGHAI, China — December 29 — The National Energy Group (NEG) has successfully grid-connected its first-ever tower-type concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in Qinghai province, marking a significant milestone in its renewable energy portfolio.
The 100-MW project, part of the Qingyu DC Transmission Phase II initiative, is located in the Ecological Solar Park of Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture at an altitude between 2,989 and 3,030 meters. It represents a key demonstration project within NEG’s clean energy base in Qinghai and is also included in China’s first batch of major photovoltaic and wind power base initiatives.
Utilizing molten salt tower technology with a 12-hour thermal storage system, the plant can store excess solar energy and deliver stable electricity output even during fluctuating sunlight, enhancing the reliability of the Qingyu DC transmission corridor.
Despite challenges including high-altitude hypoxia, complex engineering, and a tight schedule, the project team optimized construction sequencing. Key achievements included completing the foundation work ahead of plan, enclosing the main plant building 30 days early, and setting a record by installing the heat absorber tube panels in just 8.5 days.
The project innovatively integrates CSP with photovoltaic (PV) power generation. It incorporates IoT, big data, and AI technologies, supported by a smart construction management platform, enabling full-process digital oversight. Over 98% of the plant’s critical equipment and valves were sourced domestically.
Performance indicators are notable, with the unit’s average availability exceeding 76.68%, a photoelectric conversion efficiency of no less than 13.39%, and turbine thermal efficiency surpassing 41.77%, positioning it among leading domestic projects of its kind.
Upon full operation, the facility is expected to generate approximately 223 GWh of electricity annually. This output will save an estimated 68,100 tons of standard coal and reduce CO₂ emissions by about 185,400 tons each year.
