Ordos lights up 359 villages with new solar power stations

Photovoltaic power facilities in a desertified area in Ordos. [Photo/Nuan News]

Four newly constructed photovoltaic (PV) power stations in Ordos, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, have connected to the grid and begun operating, marking the completion of a key renewable energy initiative assigned by the region.

The PV stations are located in Dalad Banner, Ejin Horoo Banner, Hanggin Banner, and Otog Front Banner.

With a total investment of 64.5 million yuan ($8.97 million) and a combined installed capacity of 15.03 megawatts, the stations are expected to generate an average of 24.15 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The project will save approximately 3,904 metric tons of standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 10,965 tons each year.

The initiative benefits 359 villages across the four banners and directly supports 1,503 individuals under monitoring for poverty alleviation. Each village collective is expected to see an annual income increase of over 10,000 yuan.

Ordos authorities plan to further enhance the management of these solar stations and explore diversified "PV+" development models. These efforts aim to strengthen village-level economies, boost the incomes of low-income residents, and inject green momentum into rural vitalization across the region.