DELINGHA, China — December 28 — Construction has begun on a landmark 350-megawatt (MW) solar thermal power plant in Delingha, Qinghai province, representing a significant step forward for the global concentrated solar power (CSP) sector.
With an estimated investment of approximately 5.57 billion yuan (roughly $780 million USD), the project is positioned to become one of the world’s largest operational tower-type CSP facilities upon completion. A key feature is its integrated thermal energy storage system, designed to deliver 14 hours of dispatchable power, addressing intermittency challenges common to renewable energy.
Developed by Qinghai Zhongkong, the plant is projected to generate about 985 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually—enough to power an estimated 500,000 households. Environmental benefits include reducing coal consumption by some 295,000 metric tons and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by over 1.53 million metric tons each year.
Beyond clean energy production, the project is designed to enhance grid stability and peak-load regulation capabilities. By demonstrating advanced CSP technology at utility scale, it aims to provide a replicable model for integrating more renewable energy into power systems, both in China and internationally.
The groundbreaking underscores China’s continued investment in innovative renewable technologies to support its energy transition and climate goals.
