The world’s largest co-located wind and solar project has officially entered operation on the Loess Plateau in northwest China, marking a significant milestone in large-scale renewable energy infrastructure. Boasting a total capacity of 6 GW—comprising 4.5 GW of wind and 1.5 GW of solar—the facility is expected to generate over 12 TWh of green electricity annually. This power is transmitted via Ultra-High Voltage (UHV) lines to serve the heavy industrial demands along China’s eastern coast.
The project was executed across the complex terrain of the Loess Plateau, characterised by steep valleys and desert edges, which presented significant logistical hurdles and a limited construction window. Envision, a key partner in the development, utilised customised EN-200/5.56 MW turbines specifically designed for low-wind, mountainous environments. These turbines feature a high-capacity design and large rotors, allowing for a reduced turbine count and a faster delivery schedule.
Execution in such a harsh landscape required precise coordination. The supply chain effort involved transporting 99-metre blades through steep, winding mountain roads, supported by a 1:1 allocation of transport and lifting equipment for every turbine. This strategy enabled continuous installation during a restricted 150-day construction period, while single-blade installation techniques further enhanced efficiency and site adaptability.
The completion of this project transforms the Loess Plateau, historically viewed as a resource-constrained region, into a major hub for stable, large-scale renewable power.
