Agrivoltaics in China: A Symbiotic Approach to Energy and Agriculture

The People's Republic of China is actively embracing the concept of agrivoltaics, strategically merging agricultural practices with renewable energy generation to maximize the utility of available land resources. This innovative approach, which involves co-locating solar farms with farming activities, was first conceptualized by German researchers back in 1982. Today, China is implementing this idea on a massive scale, achieving dual benefits: producing clean electricity while simultaneously fostering a beneficial microclimate for crops, a feature particularly advantageous in arid regions.

A prime illustration of this synergy is the monumental project underway in the Ningxia Autonomous Region. Since 2014, the Baofeng Group has been managing an expansive area covering approximately 107 square kilometers. Initially, this land was used for cultivating alfalfa to aid in soil reclamation, followed by the introduction of goji berry cultivation. To fully leverage the site's potential, Huawei Smart PV is designing and constructing a solar power station directly above these plantations. This facility is planned to have a total installed capacity of 1 GW, occupying 20 square kilometers of the total area. During the active construction phase, approximately 640–650 MW of generating capacity had already been connected to the grid.

The high efficiency of this solar installation is achieved through cutting-edge technical solutions. The solar panels are mounted at a height of roughly 2.9 to 3 meters above the ground, ensuring ample clearance for agricultural operations beneath them. The system employs horizontal single-axis automatic tracking technology, allowing the panels to follow the sun's path throughout the day. This dynamic adjustment significantly boosts energy yield compared to static installations. According to data provided by Huawei, the shade cast by the panels helps reduce soil moisture evaporation by 30–40 percent. This reduction in water loss is crucial in areas with limited rainfall, making drip irrigation a standard practice across the plantations.

The environmental dividends from this large-scale agrivoltaic system are substantial. Once the project reaches its full operational capacity, estimates suggest it will displace the burning of nearly 560,000 tons of coal annually. This translates directly into an annual reduction of 1.695 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, the ecological improvement is visibly confirmed by an increase in populations of small wild animals and birds, such as pheasants and hares, signaling a tangible restoration of biodiversity on the reclaimed lands.

China continues to solidify its position as the global leader in manufacturing components for the solar industry. During the first four months of 2024, exports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules reached 83.8 GW, marking a 20 percent increase over the same period the previous year. In 2022, the nation's total installed solar power capacity stood at an impressive 393,032 MW. Looking ahead, the PRC has set an ambitious goal: by 2030, renewable energy sources are targeted to constitute 20 percent of the country's total energy mix, with approximately 2.5 trillion yuan allocated to achieve this transition.