China has officially inaugurated the world’s largest ultra-high-altitude wind power generation project, located in Nagqu Town, Seni District of Nagqu City, within the Xizang Autonomous Region.
Developed by China Energy Investment Corporation, the wind farm operates at an altitude of 4,650 meters, classified as an ultra-high-altitude wind power facility. The project features a capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) and is anticipated to produce 200 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually.
Covering an expansive area exceeding 140,000 square metres, the wind farm incorporates 25 turbines and is designed to provide electricity to approximately 230,000 local residents. The ultra-high altitude posed unique engineering challenges, including extreme weather conditions, low air density impacting turbine efficiency, and rapid material degradation due to UV exposure and temperature fluctuations. Innovative solutions, such as a smart wind power platform for accurate assessments and stability control technology, were employed to overcome these challenges.
Hu Jiansheng, head of the 100 MW wind power project, emphasised the use of high-quality turbine blades capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. Special techniques, including a unique paint application, were developed to address challenges such as hail, lightning, UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and erosion by wind, sand, rain, and snow.