China’s largest ultra-high-altitude wind power project has been connected to the grid in Nagqu, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, marking a step forward in the development of clean energy on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.

The Jicuo Wind Farm, developed by China Energy Investment Corporation’s Xizang branch, features 18 specially designed turbines installed at elevations of 4,850 to 5,127 metres. Each has a rotor diameter of 200 metres, allowing it to capture more wind energy in the thin plateau air, including at lower wind speeds.

The project also incorporates 100 megawatts of energy storage capacity to help address the challenges of intermittent wind generation and ensure a more stable power supply.

With average annual wind speeds of 7.51 metres per second, the wind farm is expected to generate about 211 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity each year, saving 72,000 tonnes of standard coal and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 196,000 tonnes. It will also strengthen the regional power grid and support local livelihoods.