Solar Thermal Power Plant on the "Roof of the World": Tibet Builds a Record-Breaking Facility

On April 6, 2026, in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, amidst conditions of a "remote civilization," isolation, a harsh climate, and the "transcendental space" of Shambala, construction began on a unique facility: a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant.

The plant will be located in Damxung County near Lhasa at an altitude of 4,550 meters above sea level, making it the highest CSP installation in the world. The project is being implemented by China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) through its subsidiary, CGN New Energy (Damxung) Co., Ltd.

The site's elevation turns the construction into a genuine engineering experiment, testing the limits of renewable energy technologies in thin air and extreme temperatures.

A Next-Generation Energy Complex

The new CSP plant is part of an integrated solar complex that also includes a 400 MW photovoltaic (PV) station, the construction of which began in the fall of 2025.  

The heart of the thermal plant will be a mirror field covering 242,000 square meters. Parabolic troughs will capture solar radiation and transfer heat through thermal oil to a molten salt energy storage system, which provides up to six hours of autonomous operation.  

This system solves a key challenge: maintaining a stable power supply for a region where sharp fluctuations in solar activity are common. Thanks to heat accumulation, the plant will be able to supply energy even at night or during cloudy weather.

Construction at an Altitude of 4,550 Meters

Operation at such an altitude requires a specialized approach. Due to harsh climatic conditions, construction work is only possible from April to October.  

To ensure worker safety, the following have been provided:

- heating systems for equipment and facilities;  

- supplemental oxygen supplies;  

- the use of hyperbaric chambers.  

CGN is also implementing a suite of medical monitoring measures to minimize risks to personnel, from hypothermia to altitude sickness.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Contribution

Once it reaches full capacity, the plant will generate approximately 719 million kWh of clean electricity annually. This is equivalent to saving about 216,900 tons of coal and reducing emissions by more than 652,300 tons of CO₂ per year.  

In addition to the environmental impact, the project has already brought tangible benefits to the local population: over 2,000 jobs have been created, and the combined income of residents from employment and service contracts has exceeded 5.2 million yuan.

A Smart Combination of Technology and Tradition

The project is not limited to energy; it includes a "solar power + livestock grazing" model. The equipment is laid out in such a way as to not interfere with the free movement of animals.  

This solution helps preserve the traditional way of life of Tibetan herders while simultaneously demonstrating the technological flexibility of China's energy industry.

Looking to the Future

Full commissioning of the hybrid complex is scheduled for 2027. This will be a major step in fulfilling the regional strategy to increase Tibet's installed power capacity from 13 million kW (as of the end of 2025) to 20 million kW by 2026.  

The construction of this high-altitude CSP plant symbolizes not only the development of China's solar energy sector but also the transition to a sustainable energy supply model in the planet's most extreme locations—from the mountains of Tibet to the Gobi Desert.