World Power Plants

Da Qaidam247 MW Solar

SolarRenewable

The Da Qaidam solar facility, with a capacity of 247 MW, ranks as the 1190th largest power generation facility in China and holds the distinction of being the 22nd largest solar plant among 1329 solar facilities across the nation. Contributing a mere 0.02% to China's staggering total capacity of 1,603,494 MW, Da Qaidam is situated in a relatively isolated location, making it notable for its geographic context. The facility utilizes photovoltaic technology to convert sunlight into electricity, capitalizing on the abundant solar resources available in the region. This solar plant is part of a growing trend in China's energy profile, which remains predominantly reliant on coal; however, the increasing investment in renewable energy sources highlights a significant shift toward sustainability. Nearby, Da Qaidam III+ adds a further 270 MW of solar capacity, while other smaller solar plants like Xitieshan Phase III (60 MW) and Xitieshan II (30 MW) contribute to a developing solar cluster. This collaboration enhances regional energy security and diversification, reinforcing China's commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio. The national energy landscape is marked by a rapid proliferation of solar facilities, reflecting a shift towards greener energy solutions amidst the challenges posed by climate change. Da Qaidam plays a pivotal role in this transformation, as the Chinese government continues to invest heavily in renewable infrastructure. The facility's operational efficiency and capacity to harness solar energy position it as a vital asset in the quest for a more sustainable energy future. As China moves towards its ambitious carbon neutrality goals, Da Qaidam is set to play an increasingly significant role in the nation’s energy transition, demonstrating the potential of solar power to reshape the energy landscape.

Capacity
247 MW
Commissioning Year
2016

10 years old

Owner
China National Energy Administration
Location
37.2760°, 95.5140°

China, Asia

Context & rankings
  • 1,191. largest of 4,431 plants in China
  • #6,750 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #105 of 11,039 Solar plants worldwide
  • 0.02% of the installed capacity of China
Age & fleet comparison

10 years in operation

Solar fleet average: 10.4 years

Operator portfolio

China National Energy Administration operates 79 plants totalling 7,540 MW

Regional density

14 plants within 100 km, 510 MW combined

Nearest plant: Da Qaidam I (1.5 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wiki-Solar

Location

Coordinates:: 37.276000, 95.514000
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Da Qaidam is a solar power plant producing approximately 389 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~41 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Solar
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
China
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

ChinaEnergy Profile

4,431
Total Plants
1617.1 GW
Total Capacity
CoalHydroNuclearGas
Top Fuels

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