China is building a €87 billion solar megaproject in the Kubuqi Desert, Inner Mongolia, aiming to transform one of the nation’s harshest landscapes into a global model for renewable energy. Spanning 400 kilometers in length and up to 5 kilometers wide, the so-called Solar Great Wall is designed to reach a 100-gigawatt capacity by 2030—enough to power Beijing and neighboring provinces.
Initially dubbed a “sea of death” for its barren dunes, the Kubuqi Desert is now seeing rapid installation of photovoltaic panels, facilitated by flat terrain, high solar irradiance, and proximity to industrial hubs like Baotou y Bayannur. The site currently hosts 5.4 GW in installed capacity, according to Chinese officials.
In addition to energy production, the project supports ecological restoration, stabilizing dunes and encouraging vegetation growth under panel shade. The Junma Solar Power Station, completed in 2019, symbolizes this transformation and holds a Guinness World Record for the largest image formed by solar panels.
According to Global Energy Monitor, China had 386.9 GW of operational solar capacity by June 2024—51% of the global total—far ahead of the United States y India.
The initiative reflects China’s dual strategy of renewable energy leadership and land rehabilitation, positioning the country as a global clean energy powerhouse.