Name: Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park
Address: CN

Overview

The Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park is an operational photovoltaic power station located in Gansu Province, China. The facility is situated within the Photoelectricity Park of Dunhuang City, a region recognized for its solar energy potential. As a solar farm, the plant utilizes photovoltaic technology to convert sunlight into electricity, contributing to the renewable energy infrastructure of the country. The project holds historical significance as the site of China's first solar power plant, marking an early milestone in the nation's transition toward solar energy generation. The initial phase of this pioneering project involved a 10 MW capacity unit, which was commissioned on 30 September 2009. This early commissioning established the groundwork for subsequent expansions and the broader development of the solar park. The Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park currently operates with a total installed capacity of 50 MW. The facility remains active, serving as a key component of the local energy mix and a reference point for solar infrastructure in the region. The park's development reflects the strategic placement of solar assets in areas with high irradiance, leveraging the geographical advantages of the Gansu Province. The operational status of the plant indicates its continued contribution to the grid, providing consistent power output from its photovoltaic modules. The location in Dunhuang City places the solar park within a well-defined administrative and geographical context, facilitating maintenance and operational oversight. The project's evolution from a 10 MW initial plant to a larger 50 MW facility demonstrates the scalability of photovoltaic technology in the Chinese energy sector. The park serves as a tangible example of early solar adoption in China, preceding many larger-scale projects that followed in subsequent years. The infrastructure at the site is designed to maximize energy capture through specific technical configurations, ensuring efficient operation under local climatic conditions. The Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park stands as a testament to the early investments in solar energy in China, with its continued operation highlighting the durability and reliability of photovoltaic systems in the region. The facility's presence in the Photoelectricity Park of Dunhuang City underscores the concentration of solar assets in this specific area, creating a hub for renewable energy production. The park's operational history, beginning with the 2009 commissioning, provides a timeline of growth and development that aligns with the broader trends in China's solar industry. The current 50 MW capacity represents a significant output for a photovoltaic station, contributing to the local and regional power supply. The site continues to function as an active energy producer, maintaining its status as a key solar infrastructure asset in Gansu Province. The project's initial success with the 10 MW plant paved the way for further investments and expansions, solidifying its role in the country's renewable energy landscape. The Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park remains a relevant case study for understanding the early stages of solar power development in China, offering insights into the technical and operational aspects of photovoltaic stations. The facility's ongoing operation ensures that it continues to deliver clean energy, supporting the broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and diversifying the energy mix in the region. The park's location in Dunhuang provides a strategic advantage for solar energy generation, taking advantage of the local climate and geographical features. The project's history and current status reflect the dynamic nature of the solar industry in China, with continuous improvements and expansions driving the sector's growth. The Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park serves as a foundational element in the development of solar energy infrastructure in Gansu Province, contributing to the region's energy security and sustainability. The facility's operational details, including its capacity and commissioning date, provide a clear picture of its role in the local energy market. The park's continued operation highlights the long-term viability of photovoltaic technology in the Chinese context, supporting the country's ambitious renewable energy targets. The project's evolution from a small initial plant to a larger facility demonstrates the potential for scaling up solar power generation in suitable locations. The Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park remains an important asset in the renewable energy portfolio of China, contributing to the nation's efforts to harness solar power for electricity generation. The site's historical significance as the location of China's first solar power plant adds to its value as a landmark in the country's energy history. The operational status of the plant ensures that it continues to play a role in the local energy supply, providing a steady source of renewable electricity. The park's development and operation reflect the strategic planning and investment in solar energy infrastructure in Gansu Province, supporting the region's economic and environmental goals. The facility's technical specifications, including its capacity and module configuration, are designed to optimize energy production and efficiency. The Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park stands as a symbol of early solar adoption in China, showcasing the potential of photovoltaic technology to contribute to the national energy mix. The project's ongoing operation and historical context make it a significant subject for analysis and study in the field of renewable energy. The facility's continued operation highlights the durability and reliability of photovoltaic systems in the region, supporting the long-term viability of solar power as a key energy source. The Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park remains a relevant and active component of China's renewable energy infrastructure, contributing to the country's efforts to diversify its energy supply and reduce carbon emissions. The project's history and current status provide valuable insights into the development of solar energy in China, offering a case study for understanding the growth and evolution of the sector. The facility's operational details, including its capacity and commissioning date, are key factors in assessing its contribution to the local energy market. The park's continued operation ensures that it remains a significant player in the renewable energy landscape of Gansu Province, supporting the region's energy security and sustainability goals.

Technical Specifications

The Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park operates as a 50-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic power station situated within the Gansu Province of China. The facility is located specifically in the Photoelectricity Park of Dunhuang City. As a commissioned operational asset, the plant utilizes standard photovoltaic technology to convert solar irradiance into electrical energy. The technical design of the installation is characterized by specific module specifications and mounting configurations that define its energy capture efficiency. All modules installed at the site range from 230 to 240 watts in capacity. These modules are mounted at a fixed tilt angle of 38 degrees, a configuration chosen to optimize exposure to sunlight given the geographical location. The plant holds historical significance as the site of China's first solar power plant, which had a capacity of 10 MW and was commissioned on 30 September 2009. The current 50 MW capacity represents the core operational infrastructure of the park.

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Value
Installed Capacity	50 MW
Technology Type	Photovoltaic
Module Wattage Range	230 to 240 watts
Mounting Configuration	Fixed tilt
Tilt Angle	38°
Location	Photoelectricity Park of Dunhuang City
Region	Gansu Province, China
Operational Status	Operational
Initial Commissioning (10 MW unit)	30 September 2009

The fixed tilt angle of 38 degrees is a critical design element for the photovoltaic arrays. This specific angle is applied uniformly to all modules, which vary slightly in wattage between 230 and 240 watts. The consistency in mounting ensures uniform energy production across the array under similar irradiance conditions. The 50 MW capacity of the Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park serves as the foundational generation asset in the region's solar infrastructure development. The site's designation as the location of China's first solar power plant underscores its role in the national transition to renewable energy sources. The initial 10 MW commissioning in 2009 marked the beginning of solar power generation in the country, with the subsequent expansion to 50 MW reflecting the scaling of photovoltaic technology deployment in the Gansu Province. The technical specifications, including the module wattage and tilt angle, are optimized for the local climatic and geographical conditions of the Dunhuang City area.

History and Development

The development of the Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park is intrinsically linked to the establishment of the Photoelectricity Park in Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, China. This site serves as a critical node in the country's early adoption of utility-scale photovoltaic infrastructure. The project's initial phase marked a significant milestone in the national energy sector, specifically with the commissioning of what is identified as China's first solar power plant. This inaugural facility had an installed capacity of 10 MW and became operational on 30 September 2009. This early deployment established the technical and operational baseline for subsequent expansions within the same geographic area.

Initial Commissioning and Technical Configuration

The initial 10 MW plant commissioned in 2009 utilized photovoltaic modules ranging from 230 to 240 watts each. These modules were mounted at a fixed tilt angle of 38°, a configuration chosen to optimize solar irradiance capture in the Dunhuang region's specific climatic conditions. The success of this initial phase validated the site's suitability for larger-scale solar generation, leading to the broader development of the Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park as a consolidated 50 MW facility. The park remains operational, contributing to the regional grid with consistent photovoltaic output derived from the fixed-tilt array design established during the early construction phases.

Expansion Projections

Following the initial 10 MW commissioning, development plans outlined significant capacity increases. Projections indicated an additional 95 MW was expected to come online in 2013, significantly boosting the site's output beyond the initial phase. Furthermore, long-term strategic plans targeted a massive expansion to 5,000 MW by the year 2020. These figures reflect the ambitious scaling trajectory planned for the Dunhuang site, positioning it as a major contributor to China's renewable energy mix. The progression from a single 10 MW plant to a projected gigawatt-scale complex underscores the rapid evolution of solar infrastructure in the Gansu Province during the 2010s. The current operational status of the 50 MW park represents a key intermediate stage in this broader developmental timeline, bridging the initial pilot phase and the larger capacity targets set for the region.

What is the significance of the Dunhuang Photoelectricity Park?

The Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park serves as a foundational component of China’s expanding solar energy infrastructure, situated within the broader Photoelectricity Park of Dunhuang City. As a 50-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic power station, it represents a significant early deployment of utility-scale solar technology in the Gansu Province. The facility’s design reflects standard engineering practices for the region, with all modules mounted at a fixed tilt angle of 38° to optimize energy capture. The individual solar modules utilized in the park range from 230 to 240 watts, contributing to the total installed capacity. Historically, this site holds particular importance as the location of China’s first solar power plant. A 10 MW initial phase was commissioned on 30 September 2009, marking a milestone in the nation’s renewable energy timeline. The success of this initial deployment paved the way for subsequent expansions, with plans outlined for an additional 95 MW expected in 2013. Long-term projections indicated a target of 5,000 MW by 2020, highlighting the strategic vision for the Dunhuang region as a major hub for photovoltaic generation. The operational status of the Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park remains active, contributing to the regional grid and demonstrating the viability of large-scale solar farms in arid environments. The integration of this facility within the Photoelectricity Park of Dunhuang City underscores the coordinated approach to energy development in the province. By leveraging the high solar irradiance typical of the Gansu region, the park exemplifies how geographic advantages can be capitalized on to enhance national energy security. The progression from the initial 10 MW plant to the larger 50 MW capacity illustrates the rapid scaling of solar infrastructure in China during the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Future Expansion Plans

The development trajectory of the Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park was defined by ambitious phased expansion targets set shortly after its initial commissioning. The site, located within the Photoelectricity Park of Dunhuang City in Gansu Province, was conceived not merely as a standalone 50 MW facility but as the foundational unit of a much larger solar energy hub. The initial phase, which included China’s first solar power plant of 10 MW commissioned on 30 September 2009, served as the proof-of-concept for the broader regional strategy. This early success prompted planners to outline significant capacity additions to leverage the area’s high solar irradiance and available land area within the Dunhuang City jurisdiction.

Short-term Expansion Targets

Following the 2009 commissioning, immediate plans were announced to increase the installed capacity of the park. According to the project’s development roadmap, an additional 95 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity was expected to be brought online by 2013. This expansion phase was critical for validating the scalability of the fixed-tilt mounting systems and the performance of the 230 to 240-watt modules used in the initial build. The target of adding 95 MW represented a near-doubling of the original 50 MW baseline, signaling a strong commitment to scaling up operations within a four-year window. This short-term goal was part of a broader effort to establish Dunhuang as a primary node in China’s renewable energy infrastructure network during the early 2010s.

Long-term Capacity Goals

Beyond the 2013 milestone, the strategic vision for the Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park extended to a much larger scale. The long-term development plan projected a total installed capacity of 5,000 MW by the year 2020. This target represented a 100-fold increase from the initial 50 MW phase, transforming the site into one of the largest solar parks in the region. The 5,000 MW goal reflected the national push to integrate variable renewables into the Chinese grid, particularly in the western provinces where land availability and solar resources are optimal. The projection for 5,000 MW by 2020 was a key component of the regional energy mix strategy, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional coal-fired power plants in Gansu Province. These expansion plans were documented in the project’s early technical and strategic assessments, outlining the intended growth path for the Photoelectricity Park of Dunhuang City.

Significance

The Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park holds a foundational position in the development of China's photovoltaic energy sector, primarily recognized as the site of the nation's first large-scale solar power plant. According to the, China's first solar power plant, with a capacity of 10 MW, was built within this location and was officially commissioned on 30 September 2009. This initial phase marked a critical transition for Chinese solar energy infrastructure, moving beyond experimental or small-scale installations to a utility-grade footprint capable of significantly contributing to the regional grid. The establishment of this 10 MW facility in 2009 provided a tangible proof-of-concept for the viability of fixed-tilt photovoltaic arrays in the arid conditions of the Gansu Province.

The technical configuration of the park further underscores its role as a pioneering site. The specifies that all modules, ranging from 230 to 240 watts, are mounted at a fixed tilt angle of 38°. This specific engineering choice reflects the optimization strategies employed during the early stages of large-scale PV deployment in the region, balancing solar irradiance capture with structural and land-use efficiency. The park is situated in the Photoelectricity Park of Dunhuang City, a location chosen for its high solar potential and available land area, which became a model for subsequent solar developments in the Gansu corridor.

Beyond the initial 10 MW commissioning, the Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park served as a catalyst for ambitious expansion plans that defined China's solar trajectory in the following decade. The notes that an additional 95 MW was expected in 2013, with a long-term projection of 5,000 MW by 2020. While the current operational status is listed as operational with a total capacity of 50 MW, these historical projections highlight the site's strategic importance in national energy planning. The park's early success helped validate the economic and technical feasibility of large-scale solar farms in western China, influencing investment decisions and policy frameworks for renewable energy integration in the broader Gansu Province and beyond. The site remains a key reference point for understanding the evolution of China's solar infrastructure from its initial 10 MW milestone to the gigawatt-scale parks that characterize the modern landscape.

Geographic Context

The Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park is situated within the administrative boundaries of Dunhuang City, which serves as a key municipal center in the Gansu Province of China. This location places the facility in the northwestern region of the country, an area characterized by its arid climate and significant solar irradiance, making it a strategic site for photovoltaic energy generation. The specific placement of the solar farm is within the Photoelectricity Park of Dunhuang City, a designated zone developed to concentrate solar energy infrastructure and optimize land use for renewable power production. The geographic coordinates of the site are approximately 40.06666667° N, 94.5° E, positioning it in a region that has become increasingly important for China's renewable energy expansion. The choice of Dunhuang as a host location reflects broader national strategies to leverage the vast, sparsely populated lands of western China for large-scale energy projects, reducing the pressure on arable land in the more densely populated eastern provinces. The proximity to existing infrastructure in Dunhuang City facilitates the initial stages of grid connection and operational management, although the broader regional grid integration remains a critical factor for the long-term efficiency of the park. The site's elevation and topographical features, typical of the Gobi Desert fringe, provide a relatively flat and stable foundation for the installation of solar modules, minimizing the need for extensive earthworks and structural supports. This geographical context is essential for understanding the operational parameters of the plant, as the local environmental conditions directly influence the performance and maintenance requirements of the photovoltaic arrays. The region's low humidity and clear skies contribute to higher energy yields compared to more temperate or coastal locations, enhancing the economic viability of the 50 MW capacity installed. The administrative oversight by Dunhuang City authorities ensures that local land-use planning and municipal services are aligned with the operational needs of the solar park, fostering a cooperative relationship between the energy infrastructure and the local community. The strategic location within the Photoelectricity Park also allows for potential synergies with other renewable energy projects in the vicinity, creating a clustered effect that can streamline supply chain logistics and technical support services. This geographic concentration of solar infrastructure in Dunhuang underscores the city's emerging role as a hub for solar energy innovation and production in the Gansu Province. The site's accessibility via regional transportation networks further supports the efficient movement of personnel and equipment, which is crucial for the ongoing maintenance and potential expansion of the facility. The environmental impact of the solar park is also influenced by its specific location, as the installation of solar modules on the desert floor affects local albedo and microclimatic conditions, a factor that is monitored as part of the broader environmental assessment of the project. The geographic context of the Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park thus provides a comprehensive backdrop for evaluating its operational success and its contribution to the regional energy mix. The location in Gansu Province, a region with significant wind and solar resources, positions the park as a key component of the province's diversified renewable energy portfolio, complementing other power generation sources in the area. The specific coordinates and administrative placement ensure that the park is well-integrated into the local and regional energy planning frameworks, facilitating its role in meeting the growing electricity demand in northwestern China. The geographic setting also influences the design choices made during the construction phase, such as the fixed tilt angle of the solar modules, which is optimized for the latitude and solar path in this specific location. This alignment with local geographic conditions maximizes the energy capture efficiency of the plant, ensuring that the 50 MW capacity is utilized to its fullest potential throughout the year. The location in Dunhuang City also provides a cultural and historical context, as the city is known for its Silk Road heritage, adding a layer of significance to the modern energy infrastructure established in this historic region. The integration of modern solar technology in such a historically rich area highlights the evolving landscape of China's energy sector, where traditional and contemporary elements coexist. The geographic context of the Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park is therefore not just a matter of physical placement, but also a reflection of the strategic, environmental, and cultural considerations that shape the development of renewable energy projects in China. This comprehensive understanding of the location is vital for stakeholders, investors, and researchers who are analyzing the performance and future prospects of the solar park. The site's specific attributes, including its coordinates and administrative region, provide a solid foundation for detailed studies on the efficiency and impact of solar energy generation in the Gansu Province. The geographic details thus serve as a critical component of the overall profile of the Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park, offering insights into the factors that contribute to its operational success and regional significance.