Overview
Xihe is a 200 MW operational solar PV facility located in China. It contributes to the country's rapidly expanding renewable energy capacity.
Xihe is an operational solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in China, with a capacity of 200 megawatts (MW). This scale places it in the medium-to-large category for solar farms globally, reflecting China's dominant position in solar energy deployment. The facility is situated at coordinates 31.76°N, 113.515°E, in a region that benefits from substantial solar irradiation suitable for utility-scale generation. The facility's technical specifications indicate a solar PV configuration, which converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor panels. China's solar sector operates under the national Renewable Energy Law and the 14th Five-Year Plan, which set ambitious targets for non-fossil fuel energy. The country has also implemented feed-in tariffs and grid-parity policies to support solar deployment, though recent shifts toward competitive auctions have driven cost reductions. Xihe's capacity of 200 MW aligns with typical utility-scale projects in China, which often range from 50 MW to over 500 MW. Environmentally, Xihe contributes to China's goal of peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Solar PV facilities like Xihe produce zero direct emissions during operation, displacing coal-fired generation and reducing air pollution. The facility's location in central China supports grid integration, though solar intermittency requires complementary storage or flexible backup. Overall, Xihe represents a significant asset in China's renewable energy transition.
Environmental context
Solar PV facilities like Xihe require large land areas for panel arrays, which can impact local land use and ecosystems. In central China, agricultural land conversion or desert development may occur. However, solar farms have minimal water consumption and no air emissions during operation, offering a clean alternative to coal. The region's solar resource is moderate, with annual irradiation around 1200-1500 kWh/m², supporting efficient generation.
Frequently asked questions
Xihe is located in China at coordinates 31.76°N, 113.515°E, in the central part of the country.
Xihe has a capacity of 200 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large scale solar farm.
Xihe uses solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, which converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor panels.
China's solar energy is supported by the Renewable Energy Law, the 14th Five-Year Plan, and feed-in tariffs. Recent policies have shifted toward competitive auctions to drive cost reductions.
Xihe helps China reduce carbon emissions by displacing coal-fired power, supporting the country's targets to peak emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.