China Invests $11 Billion in Inner Mongolia Energy Base Combining Solar, Wind, and Coal Power

China Invests $11 Billion in Inner Mongolia Energy Base Combining Solar, Wind, and Coal Power

China Three Gorges Renewables Group, a subsidiary of the country's largest hydropower company, is investing 80 billion yuan ($11 billion) to establish an energy base that will produce electricity from solar, wind, and coal sources. The plant will have a 16-gigawatt capacity and a five-gigawatt storage facility, as reported by Bloomberg.

This project is part of China’s broader objective to develop 455 gigawatts of renewable energy projects in the desert by 2030. Inner Mongolia will host this particular plant, which will contribute 135 gigawatts to the total planned output.

China Three Gorges Corporation is diversifying its energy sources as the construction of large hydro dams becomes less viable. Wind and solar power generation at the new plant will depend on grid accessibility, with the coal plant expected to begin operations in three years.

While the inclusion of a coal power element in the new plant is somewhat disappointing, it isn't entirely surprising given China's stance on renewable energy commitments during climate summit talks. Bloomberg notes that China often struggles to integrate all its clean energy into the power grid and relies on coal when renewable sources like solar and wind are not available.