An aerial view of the Tianjiao Lyuneng 500,000-kilowatt photovoltaic power generation project [Photo/Ordos Release]

A 500,000-kilowatt photovoltaic power generation project in the city of Ordos in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region will complete construction by the end of this year.

The project, known as Tianjiao Lyuneng, is located in a coal subsidence area in Ulan Mulun town in Ejin Horoo Banner, Ordos. 

The first phase of the project was successfully connected to the grid for power generation on Sept 22.

Tianjiao Lyuneng is an important demonstration project for developing the low-carbon and clean new energy industries, constructing green coal mines, and treating and restoring coal mining subsidence areas.

The project covers an area of about 42,000 mu (2,800 hectares), with a total investment of 2.4 billion yuan ($360.09 million). It is expected to achieve an average annual power generation capacity of about 900 million kWh, an annual output value of about 250 million yuan, and around 50 million yuan in tax revenue.

Compared with traditional coal-fired power plants, the project will reduce energy consumption by about 340,000 metric tons of standard coal and cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 841,000 tons every year.

Local villagers have established an interest connection with the photovoltaic project area through land transfers and village collective economy equity participation, which can increase the income of each villager by around 1,000 yuan per year.

Meanwhile, the clean-up and maintenance of photovoltaic panels can provide 300 to 500 jobs to locals.

The project not only solves problems related to resource development and environmental protection, but also solves issues related to the effective utilization of coal and light energy, and achieves ecological, economic, and social benefits.