The first 25 MW generating unit of a solar thermal power plant began operations on Friday in China at an average altitude of 4,300 meters, making it the highest-altitude solar power plant of its kind connected to an electrical grid in the world, according to local media reports.
Located in Gar County, in the Ngari Prefecture, the zero-emissions project has a total installed capacity of 150 MW, comprising a 100 MW photovoltaic (PV) installation and a 50 MW solar thermal plant.
The main advantage of a system of this nature is its ability to store energy for several hours and generate electricity even after sunset.
The plant uses parabolic trough technology with thermal oil as a heat-transfer fluid and features a 242,000-square-meter mirror field, as well as a molten-salt energy storage system with a six-hour capacity, which allows for power generation throughout the night, according to Xinhua.
Once fully operational, it is expected to generate approximately 270 million kWh of electricity per year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 168,200 tons annually.
Furthermore, its construction has created employment opportunities for more than 500 local farmers and herders.
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