China: 253 GW of Solar Power and a Lifeline for Hundreds of Thousands of Hectares of Desertified Land
China has announced an ambitious plan that combines the development of renewable energy with efforts to combat environmental degradation. The Photovoltaic Desertification Control Plan (2025–2030) aims to install a staggering 253 GW of solar power capacity and rehabilitate over 670,000 hectares of desertified land in the northern regions of the country. This groundbreaking initiative could redefine how sustainable development is approached in fragile ecosystems.
The plan was jointly developed by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the National Energy Administration (NEA). Core efforts will be focused in the so-called “Three Norths” region—northern, northeastern, and northwestern China. This area spans over 100 million hectares and includes the country’s largest deserts, such as the Taklamakan and Tengger. While the region boasts exceptional solar potential, its environment suffers from severe degradation: sparse vegetation, water scarcity, and intense wind erosion.
Authorities emphasize that solar projects must follow the principle of “ecological priority and coordinated development.” The plan outlines a differentiated approach based on three climatic zones and identifies five priority development areas. A key feature will be pilot solar installations that, beyond energy generation, integrate land rehabilitation measures such as soil stabilization and afforestation.
A New Desert Economy
The plan promises not only environmental benefits but also significant economic potential. By combining land restoration with PV farms, reclamation costs could fall dramatically—from 12,000 CNY to just 1,800–3,000 CNY per acre. The difference will be offset by revenue from electricity generation, with additional income sources including carbon credits, government subsidies, and the development of community farming and animal husbandry.
One example: the Kubuqi project in Inner Mongolia combines 2 GW of solar energy with the cultivation of tomatoes and desert herbs, generating over 1 billion yuan annually. The value of such projects is further enhanced by investments in energy storage and hydrogen technologies, which support local energy stability and improve system flexibility.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
However, this bold plan comes with its challenges. Many areas lack adequate transmission infrastructure, and some developers prioritize rapid capacity expansion over integration with the local environment. In response, the government advocates integrated planning, cooperation with local communities, and promotion of innovative solutions.
The plan is part of China’s broader 15th Five-Year Plan, with major state-owned energy companies expected to lead its implementation. It is anticipated that the initiative will not only strengthen China’s solar energy supply chain but also serve as a model for other countries on how to align environmental restoration with energy transformation.