MingYang Smart Energy has started construction of a 2 GW wind-solar-storage hybrid project near the city of Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, after it was approved by the Tongliao DRC. The project includes 1,700 MW of wind capacity, 300 MW of solar capacity and 320MW/960MWh of energy storage capacity. The demonstration project is based on the actual development of the power industry in Tongliao City, and is oriented to solve problems specific to the city such as lack of power generation and peak shaving capacity, and the need for low electricity prices. In fact, the comprehensive on-grid electricity price will not be higher than the current thermal benchmark electricity price, and will be implemented step by step and adjusted in accordance to the needs of the city.
MingYang had initially planned for the project to feature 1 GW of wind and 300 MW of solar capacity, but has since boosted the size of the project. The Chinese turbine manufacturer plans to develop the project alone. It is not yet clear when Ming Yang aims to commission the project.
Inner Mongolia is a wind-rich region in northern China, with at least 31 GW installed currently. This accounts for 13 per cent of China’s total 225 GW wind power fleet. MingYang added that it aims to build further hybrid projects in China and possibly abroad.
REGlobal’s Views: The announcement of this project coincides with China actively promoting the development of projects using different sources of renewable energy generation. Development of hybrid projects including energy storage is gaining rapid traction globally as well.
