Jiuquan Wind Power Base

Jiuquan Wind Power Base

A group of large wind farms, the Jiunquan Wind Power Base, (construction started in 2009) is expected to provide 8GW power in total. It is located in barren areas near the city of Jiuquan. Described as the country's largest wind project, it is seen as a great initiative to increase China's drive in renewable energy sector. It is expected to provide power to most of Northwest China. More than 3,500 turbines have been erected with an installed capacity of 5.16 GW, and at present the turbines are generating 1.15 GW of power, said Wang Jianxin, director of Jiuquan Development and Reform Commission.

"The Jiuquan Wind Power Base is a key part of China’s plan to supply 15 percent of the country’s energy from alternative and renewable sources by 2020. Carbon dioxide emissions have more than doubled in the past 10 years, taking China past the US as the world’s top emitter of greenhouse gases. Although critics have questioned its cost-effectiveness, the US$17.5 billion development will be the largest collective wind farm group in the world when completed." (KPMC)