Inner Mongolia: From Coal Powerhouse to Green Energy Giant

Inner Mongolia is redefining its energy landscape, shifting from a "sea of coal" to a "blue ocean of green power" as it prepares for its 80th anniversary in 2027. This transformation involves developing vast solar and wind power bases across its deserts, contributing significantly to national energy needs.

The region possesses exceptional wind and solar resources, with plans for large-scale clean energy bases in its deserts as prioritized by China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). Its industrial foundation includes projects like the Ulaanqab wind power base and China's first zero-carbon industrial park in Ordos.

Key to this transition is the development of an advanced 500-kilovolt backbone grid, enabling the transmission of renewable electricity across North, East, and Central China. Policy support from the State Council and various government departments is further bolstering Inner Mongolia's development as a new energy system demonstration zone.

The region is experimenting with integrating massive renewable energy into the grid, driving new industrial development through direct green power supply, and fostering the production of green hydrogen. This includes pioneering interprovincial pure-hydrogen pipelines.

Inner Mongolia is also focusing on ecological restoration through photovoltaic-based desertification control, exemplified by projects in the Kubuqi Desert. This model integrates power generation, ecological restoration, and economic development, creating shared prosperity.

Despite rapid progress, challenges remain, including cross-regional consumption coordination, the economics of energy storage, and a shortage of skilled professionals. Inner Mongolia is actively exploring solutions to these structural issues during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.