China Green Development Group (CGDG), a Chinese state-owned enterprise, has activated the 3.5 gigawatt Midong solar project located in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. The project represents a significant investment of CNY15.45 billion, equivalent to approximately $2.13 billion.
The subsidiary of CGDG, China Green Electricity Investment, has brought the Midong solar photovoltaic (PV) project online, making it the world’s largest solar power plant. This title was previously held by the 2.2 gigawatt solar park operated by Huanghe Hydropower Development, which began operations in October 2020.
The construction of the Midong solar project was executed in phases by China Construction Eighth Engineering Division Corp and Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina).
The project required a total investment of CNY15.45 billion and utilizes over 5.26 million 650-watt monocrystalline bifacial double-glass solar PV panels from an unnamed manufacturer.
The supporting infrastructure for the Midong solar facility is extensive, including 1.23 million support piles, five 220-kilovolt booster stations, and over 208 kilometers of transmission lines, which connect the solar array to the grid via a 750-kilovolt substation.
Established in December 2020 under the central Chinese government, CGDG is a major energy investment entity.
