China opens 1 GW hybrid solar plant with molten salt storage in Qinghai
By Eve
PowerChina has connected a 1 GW hybrid solar facility in Qinghai province, combining 900 MW of photovoltaic panels with a 100 MW concentrated solar power system that stores energy as heat in molten salt. The plant, which reached full grid capacity on 1 October, uses 10,310 mirrors around a 219 metre tower to heat molten salt that can generate electricity after sunset. Chinese state media describe it as the country's first gigawatt scale project integrating solar generation, thermal storage and power to heat conversion in one site.
Why it matters
The facility demonstrates a commercial scale approach to round the clock solar generation without lithium batteries, a model that could influence grid connected charging infrastructure planning in regions with strong solar resources. For charge point operators and project developers, thermal storage hybrids may offer an alternative route to firm renewable capacity where land and capital are available.
Source
- Source
- https://www.donanimhaber.com/cin-gunes-batinca-da-elektrik-ureten-dev-gunes-santralini-acti--211529
- Original title
- “Çin, güneş batınca da elektrik üreten dev güneş santralini açtı”
- Published
- 12 October 2026
- Updated
- 13 October 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Grid & Energy
- Place
- China
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