{"id":1642,"date":"2026-04-01T01:56:24","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T01:56:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.esplaza.com.cn\/?p=1642"},"modified":"2026-04-01T02:02:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T02:02:17","slug":"approaching-grid-connection-full-progress-overview-of-cgn-delingha-200mw-csp-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.esplaza.com.cn\/index.php\/2026\/04\/01\/approaching-grid-connection-full-progress-overview-of-cgn-delingha-200mw-csp-project\/","title":{"rendered":"Approaching Grid Connection: Full Progress Overview of CGN Delingha 200MW CSP Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The CGN Delingha 1GW Integrated Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and PV Project is one of the \u201cTop 100 Strategic Emerging Industry Projects\u201d identified by China\u2019s State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), as well as a key project under the country\u2019s second batch of large-scale wind and solar base initiatives. At the time of construction commencement, it was the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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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 m\u00b2, resulting in a total reflective area of 646,020 m\u00b2. 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\u2019s first domestically developed 200MW CSP steam turbine, with a high level of localization across key components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Core Value and Comprehensive Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014where 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\u2019s ambition to become a national clean energy hub and marks a milestone in the localization and large-scale deployment of CSP technology in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major Project Participants<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Major Project Milestones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n