High-altitude wind farm in Tibet starts up

The first units of a decentralized wind power farm in Tsomai county of the Tibet autonomous region started up recently, China News Service reported.

Located in Drigug township at altitudes between 4,850 and 5,500 meters, it is said to be the world's highest wind power installation.

The primary investor is China Three Gorges Corp, with construction by PowerChina Chengdu Engineering Corp. The project was approved by the region's Development and Reform Commission in June 2019 as part of Tibet's key clean energy initiative during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20), with construction beginning in August 2020.

Installation of the wind farm's first power unit began in early May this year, with all 10 planned units installed by October — overcoming difficulties such as low oxygen, strong ultraviolet radiation, low temperatures, high winds and heavy rain and snow.

Experience with the project, one of China's wind power research demonstration projects in ultra high-altitude areas, will be applied to the research and development of wind power installations in high altitude areas in the future.

"We hope the project will be a driving force in local economic and social development, in promoting local energy structures, enriching tourism resources and providing a new path for rural revitalization," Huang He, president of PowerChina, was quoted by China News Service as saying.

"The successful operation of the project will eventually contribute to the promotion of Tibet's clean energy development and the implementation of power transmission to places outside of the region."