As China strives to meet its ambitious carbon goals, it's turning to the vast deserts of its northwest. The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is rapidly becoming one of the nation's primary clean energy engines, thanks to its abundant solar and wind resources. Lincoln Humphries takes us inside one of the critical projects leading the charge.

This region deep in the Taklamakan Desert, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, averages 314 days of sunshine per year, the perfect place for large-scale solar power production.

LINCOLN HUMPHRIES Wushi County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region "Even from this high vantage point, it's difficult to fully appreciate the sheer scale of this facility – solar panels as far as the eye can see. It covers 493 hectares, roughly the size of 700 official soccer fields, and most importantly it can supply the energy needs of about 430,000 people for one year."

This also includes the added benefits of bringing so much sought-after shade to one of the most sun-soaked parts of China.

ZHOU BO Head, Wushi Photovoltaic Power Station, China Huaneng Group "Compared to traditional methods, this approach has two key benefits. First, the panel infrastructure stabilizes the soil and prevents erosion. Second, water runoff from the panels irrigates the ground below, supporting sustainable plant growth."

The project energizes the local economy with sustainable power and employment.

YUSAN WUERMAITI Operations and Maintenance Technician Wushi Photovoltaic Power Station, China Huaneng Group "I started working here two years ago, right after I graduated. The pay is quite good for the area, and I've already been able to buy an apartment in Aksu and a car. Now, I'm getting ready to get married."

In 2024, Xinjiang's new energy generation jumped by over 30 percent to 116 billion kilowatt-hours, making up over 80 percent of the region's total power growth. Solar output rose almost 66 percent and wind power by over 17 percent.

With China targeting carbon peak by 2030 and neutrality by 2060, Xinjiang's vast solar, and wind resources position it as a clean energy hub and critical transmission corridor.

By year-end, Xinjiang sent out more than 860 billion kWh of electricity, cutting coal use by 260 million tonnes and reducing CO2 emissions by over 700 million tonnes.

LINCOLN HUMPHRIES Wushi County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region "Solar panels have a bit of a weakness – they can't generate power when the sun isn't shining at night or when it's extremely cloudy. That's where this facility comes in. The noise you hear is the sound of it charging, and it has the capacity to power 300,000 homes every day."

GAO WENYI Director, Price Certification Center Wushi County Development and Reform Commission "This model has been a huge boost for Wushi county's economy, and it has the potential to work in other places, too. Of course, it's not a simple copy-and-paste; you have to adapt it to the local economy and the level of government support available."

Shining a light on a relatively undeveloped region's vast economic potential, this facility is a beacon for investment.

GAO WENYI Director, Price Certification Center Wushi County Development and Reform Commission "This project creates a great ripple effect. On one hand, we're attracting the companies that actually make the solar panels and equipment to set up factories right here. Then, on the other hand, having a growing, reliable supply of clean energy makes the entire region more attractive for other businesses to come and invest."

The ancient Silk Road, transforming into a modern pathway to prosperity. A Belt and Road Initiative gateway, proving that the future of energy is not just clean and green, but also a powerful engine for growth and change. Lincoln Humphries, CGTN, Wushi County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.