Xizang makes strides in green energy

The Xizang autonomous region has made significant progress in the development of clean energy, with more than 90 percent of its energy supply now coming from green sources, and more funds are expected to fuel the growth, according to the State Grid.
The region is getting 53.7 percent of its energy from hydropower, 36.3 percent from solar and 1.4 percent from wind, showcasing a substantial shift toward sustainable energy sources within the region, State Grid Xizang Electric Power Co said in a recent release.
The company has signed a groundbreaking power-assistance framework agreement that is projected to result in external electrical transmission of 15.5 billion kilowatt-hours over the next three years.
Notably, the Qinghai-Xizang direct current transmission capacity has been increased to over 400,000 kilowatts. The company said that last year the Xizang power grid delivered 2.57 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to other provinces and regions, up by 14 percent year-on-year.
Hua Ming, deputy director of development planning at the company, said that it has led to a reduction in coal consumption of 1.02 million metric tons and a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions of 2.51 million tons.
"Our company has inked a landmark power-assistance framework agreement, which is the largest in scale, involves the highest number of participating provinces, and promises substantial economic benefits for Xizang," said Hua.
The company has been steadfast in promoting the construction of a green power market. It organized two green electricity transactions in December, delivering 2.76 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity to Chongqing via the Sichuan-Xizang interconnected power grid, thereby contributing to a breakthrough in green electricity transactions within the region.
"Next, the company will work to employ the power grid in the high-quality development of new energy — the development of industries such as heating, oxygen supply and hydrogen production," Hua added.
Enriched with geothermal resources, which are clean and sustainable, the region's geothermal power has contributed significantly to the region's overall strategy of clean energy power source development.
The Yangyi geothermal power station located in Damshung county of the region is China's only geothermal power station in operation, and it has generated more than 500 million kWh of electricity since 2018.
Yuan Hai, vice-general manager of the Yangyi geothermal power station, said it can help cut 420,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, 6,200 tons of nitrogen oxide and 12,000 tons of sulfur dioxide, and also saves 116,000 tons of standard coal.
He said the station produced 130 million kWh of electricity last year, and it has an average annual power generating duration of 8,700 hours.
"The station achieved full generation for the year, and its stable power supply has greatly safeguarded Xizang's peak adjustment of its electricity supply," Yuan said.
For this year, the region plans to support and enhance the development of green energy.
Yan Jinhai, chairman of the regional government, said in early January while delivering a government work report: "The region will establish special funds for the clean energy industry, mainly through special-purpose bonds, to ensure growth of over 25 percent in installed power capacity.
"The region is also accelerating the promotion of clean energy heating and oxygen supply projects according to circumstances, and adapting to local conditions."
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