Core Viewpoint - The solar thermal power generation industry in China is entering a new stage of large-scale development driven by policy and technology, emphasizing the need for innovation in management, models, and systems to ensure sustainable and high-quality growth [1][2]. Industry Development - Solar thermal power technology integrates solar thermal conversion, large-scale heat storage, and grid synchronization, providing significant advantages as a renewable energy source [2]. - The industry is transitioning from a commercial demonstration phase to large-scale development, supported by favorable policies and market conditions [2]. - As of the end of 2024, China's cumulative installed capacity of solar thermal power reached 838.2 MW, accounting for 10.6% of the global total [3]. Policy Support - The National Energy Administration initiated the first batch of 20 solar thermal power demonstration projects in 2016, with an installed capacity of 1.349 million kW, marking the start of commercial development [2]. - A notification issued in April 2023 aims for an annual new installed capacity of approximately 3 million kW during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [2]. - The Energy Law, effective January 1, 2025, explicitly promotes the development of solar thermal power, highlighting its importance in national energy strategy [2]. Technological Advancements - The solar thermal power industry has seen significant technological innovations, with a domestic equipment localization rate exceeding 98% [4]. - Recent developments include the successful creation of a large aperture molten salt medium trough collector system and the world's first supercritical carbon dioxide solar thermal power generation unit [4]. - The industry now covers all aspects of the supply chain, from raw materials to core equipment with independent intellectual property rights [4]. Cost Reduction - The cost of solar thermal power generation has decreased to 0.55 yuan per kWh, down from 1.15 yuan per kWh for the first demonstration projects, indicating a significant reduction in costs [5]. - Continued technological innovation and large-scale development are expected to further lower costs, making solar thermal power a cheap and stable green energy source [5]. Challenges and Innovations - The industry faces challenges such as high costs and efficiency improvements, necessitating innovative solutions in technology, management, and policy [6]. - Recommendations include enhancing research on efficient heat collection and long-duration heat storage technologies, utilizing digital technologies for intelligent management, and developing integrated projects with other renewable energy sources [6]. - A supportive policy ecosystem is essential, including a combination of capacity pricing and peak compensation mechanisms for solar thermal power projects [6].

Group 1 - The project, led by Shandong Electric Power Construction Third Engineering Company, has successfully assembled over 100,000 heliostats, marking a significant milestone for the highest tower molten salt solar project in Xinjiang [1] - The total planned area for the project is 650,000 square meters, with an installation of 300,000 heliostats, which will efficiently reflect sunlight to the heat-absorbing tower, forming the core of the solar thermal power generation system [1] - The project adopts an integrated construction model of "solar thermal + photovoltaic," combining a 100,000 kW tower molten salt solar power system with a 900,000 kW photovoltaic power station, significantly enhancing power generation efficiency and economic viability [1] Group 2 - The project is expected to generate an average annual power output of approximately 1.96 billion kWh, reducing standard coal consumption by about 690,000 tons annually, and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 1.88 million tons and wastewater by 122,200 tons [2] - The project team is committed to ensuring safety and quality while accelerating construction, aiming for full capacity grid-connected power generation to contribute to local economic development and energy transition [2]

Core Insights - The first 100 MW solar thermal power project in Qinghai, the Sanxia Energy Qingyu DC Phase II, has successfully completed full system operation, marking a historic breakthrough in the large-scale application of solar thermal power in high-altitude regions of China [1][3]. Project Overview - The project is located in the Utu Meiren Township of Golmud City, Qinghai Province, and is led by China Power Construction Group Northwest Survey and Design Institute Co., Ltd. It covers an area of approximately 287 hectares [3]. - It utilizes advanced tower-type concentrated solar power technology and is equipped with a 12-hour molten salt energy storage system, enabling stable power supply around the clock [3]. Environmental Impact - The project is expected to generate an annual electricity output of 227.1 million kWh, sufficient to meet the clean electricity needs of 189,300 households. It will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 226,300 tons annually, equivalent to the ecological benefit of afforesting 188,600 acres [3]. Technological Advancements - The construction team overcame key technical challenges in extreme environments, achieving the localization of core equipment such as molten salt pumps and heliostats, which lays a solid foundation for the independent development of the solar thermal industry chain [3][4]. - The project has successfully integrated a "solar thermal + photovoltaic" multi-energy complementary solution, significantly enhancing the stability and absorption capacity of the local power grid [3]. Industry Positioning - The successful implementation of this project not only improves construction efficiency but also promotes resource utilization, equipment localization, and independent core technology, positioning China from a "follower" to a "leader" in the solar thermal sector with proprietary intellectual property rights [4].