China is set to influence global energy policy by example. It has to, because the air in its cities is severely polluted by carbon dioxide. As 2019 dawns, we examine the evidence whether China outstrips the world in terms of renewable energy yet. It certainly has the numbers in terms of population and determination.
China Outstrips the World Already at Longyangxia Dam
NASA reports the solar array at Longyangxia Dam on the Tibetan Plateau is the world’s largest at 850 megawatts. This puts it on par with a single-unit nuclear power station, an impressive achievement indeed.
China outstrips the world easily with this ten-square-mile array containing almost four million solar panels. However, China’s project in the Ningxia region will surpass even that with 2,000 megawatts when complete. When a ‘sleeping giant dreams, it dreams well it seems. China is already producing over 60% of the world’s global panels. Clearly, it has an interest in dominating the market.
However the Strategic Significance Extends Further
China’s giant solar farms are mostly ‘in the middle of nowhere’ and far from cities, according to the BBC. Some say this is to decentralize economic power. Others say it is to cement its hold over disputed areas like Tibet.
We find the project to turn Tibetan tundra into forest intriguing, regardless of the merits. This project is rolling out at Naqqu, which has the distinction of being the only China-controlled region without a tree. Work is afoot to bury an enormous copper grid in the ground like underfloor heating. Then solar panels will heat the earth, melt the permafrost, and allow Naqqu’s first trees to sprout.
We are of two minds whether China outstrips the world environmentally in this regard. This is because permafrost is a methane sink, and greenhouse gas will then escape into the atmosphere. On the positive side, new forests are always welcome given the destruction of the Amazon jungle. So we shall suspend our judgement for a while.
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Preview Image: Longyangxia Dam and Solar Array
