- China Energy Engineering Group leads a 1.5 GW CSP-PV-thermal storage project in Balikun County.
- The facility combines 1.35 GW solar PV, 150 MW CSP, and 8-hour molten salt storage for round-the-clock supply.
The Hami 1.5 GW hybrid renewable energy project in Balikun County, Xinjiang, represents a landmark integration of solar photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), and high-temperature molten salt storage. Led by China Energy Engineering Group (CEEC), the facility is designed to provide stable, dispatchable power around the clock.
The project combines 1.35 GW of PV with a 150 MW CSP plant equipped with an 8-hour thermal storage system. During daylight hours, PV panels supply electricity, while CSP stores thermal energy that can be dispatched at night. This hybrid model addresses the intermittency of solar power and enhances grid stability, enabling Xinjiang to increase its renewable energy utilisation.
Once fully operational, Hami 1.5 GW is expected to generate approximately 3 TWh of electricity annually, with PV contributing around 2.8 TWh and CSP 0.2 TWh. The project is also anticipated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 2.256 million metric tons per year, providing both environmental and energy security benefits.
Construction milestones have progressed steadily. The project was designated a key demonstration initiative in July 2022, with on-site work commencing in 2023. In March 2025, the absorber tower of the 150 MW CSP plant topped out, signalling the start of the equipment installation phase. The development exemplifies China’s push toward hybrid renewable solutions that combine scale, storage, and reliability.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
