Talatan: For generations, the Talatan Gobi Desert in northwest China's Qinghai Province has faced severe sandstorms, persistent droughts, and sparse vegetation, challenging the local herders' way of life. Today, Talatan, located in Gonghe County in the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is witnessing a significant transformation. Expansive arrays of solar panels now spread across the plateau, generating clean energy while supporting the growth of pasture grass and providing grazing grounds for sheep.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the transformation began in 2012, when the local government promoted the construction of a solar energy base, leveraging the region's strong solar resources and vast flat terrain. The photovoltaic park, spanning over 300 square kilometers and operated by more than 60 solar companies, has become one of China's major gigawatt-level solar hubs. Interestingly, the solar arrays act as barriers against wind and sand, creating a cooler microclimate and reducing evaporation. This environment has proven ideal for grass growth, aiding in the desert's reclamation.
Yehdor, a 49-year-old local herder, has observed these changes firsthand. He mentioned that herders previously had to travel far to find grazing land due to unproductive grasslands. Now, they can graze their sheep beneath the solar panels, thanks to an agreement with the solar companies. This arrangement also helps companies save on weeding costs.
Cao Jun, a staff member with the project department of the local industrial park, explained that technicians adjusted the solar panel layout to accommodate the herders, allowing sheep to move freely beneath them. The prefecture's photovoltaic park, once fully completed, is expected to cover 609 square kilometers, with 450 square kilometers dedicated to grass planting, yielding around 110,000 tonnes of grass annually.
The integration of technology further enhances pasture and livestock management. Some photovoltaic stations use infrared drones and monitoring systems to track herds, while digital ID cards in the form of QR codes allow traceable management of sheep. The prefecture has established numerous eco-pastures and grazing sites within the solar park, supporting surrounding villages and promoting the "photovoltaic sheep" brand nationwide through e-commerce.
Yehdor shared that his family's income has significantly improved, earning nearly 100,000 yuan annually from raising sheep. The model of combining photovoltaic power generation with animal husbandry in Talatan offers a new approach to combating desertification and promoting clean energy development. Similar initiatives are being implemented in other regions, such as Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Gansu Province, where solar power improves the microclimate to support agriculture.
As China advances in green energy, more industries are creatively integrating with it, transforming once-barren lands into greener, more prosperous landscapes.