Caixin Cover Story: Qinghai Has an Ocean of Solar Power, But Nowhere to Store It

The far western Chinese province has seen a rush on investment in the green energy source, but a lack of money spent on storage facilities means it has too much power at some times, too little at othe

High on the Tibetan Plateau in western China’s Qinghai province, a sea of solar panels stretches out across 345 square kilometers, making it the world’s largest photovoltaic power park. With another nearly 265 square kilometers of new panels set to be installed, the state-owned solar park in Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, will soon occupy an area nearing the size of Chicago.

Built by Huanghe Hydropower Development Company Ltd., this park might sound like an impressive feat amid a global race towards a green transition - the comprehensive shift away from fossil fuels and a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy - but a major lack in investment in complementary power storage facilities has led to an imbalance between electricity supply and demand.

Simply put, the province has too much power at some times, too little at others, especially at night.