Over the years, central enterprises have focused on what Xizang needs and what the people desire, fully leveraging their strengths and expertise. Based on Xizang's natural resource endowments, they have tailored their approaches to strengthen industrial aid to Xizang, supported the region in cultivating distinctive and competitive industries, and made all-out efforts to advance the construction of clean energy projects involving water, wind, solar, and thermal power. They have accelerated the transition to a green and low-carbon economy, providing new growth points for the high-quality economic development of Xizang.

Achieving a leap from nothing to something: Illuminating the path to light on the plateau

Before the peaceful liberation of Xizang, the region's electricity supply was virtually non-existent. The small power station in Lhasa only served the aristocracy, leaving millions of serfs in darkness.

As history moved forward, Xizang's power industry gradually took shape following the peaceful liberation. In July and October 1956, the Lhasa Power Plant and the Xigaze Thermal Power Plant were completed successively. In 1965, the Naqen Hydropower Station became fully operational, ending the era when people in Lhasa relied on torches and butter lamps for lighting. Central enterprises have left an indelible mark on the epic journey of energy transformation in Xizang.

From nothing to something, Xizang's power grid has undergone multiple leaps. In 1985, the first 110-kilovolt transmission line was put into operation. In 1994, a series of key power sources, including the Yamdrok Yumtso Power Station and the Jinhe Power Station, were constructed. In the late 1990s, the power grids of Lhasa and Shannan took the lead in interconnection. At the beginning of the 21st century, the central Xizang power grid was basically formed. In 2020, the Ngari-Central Xizang Power Grid Interconnection Project was completed and put into operation, achieving full coverage of the main power grid across Xizang.

Today, the Xizang power grid has evolved into a comprehensive energy system dominated by hydropower and complemented by wind, solar, and other energy sources. It has established a unified power grid with a 500-kilovolt main grid framework and coordinated development of power grids at all levels.

Embarking on a new chapter of energy transition: The rise of clean energy

In recent years, Xizang Autonomous Region has clearly proposed accelerating the construction of a national clean energy base and creating a new development pattern of "one base, two demonstrations"—namely, a national clean energy base, a demonstration zone for new power systems, and a demonstration zone for the utilization of clean and renewable energy. Clean energy in Xizang has entered a "fast lane" for high-quality development.

As the first power generation central enterprise to enter Xizang, China Huaneng Group made its debut in 2004. In November 2014, the first unit of the Zam Hydropower Station, the first large-scale hydropower station in Xizang's power development history, was put into operation. Over the past two decades, Huaneng's installed clean energy capacity in Xizang has exceeded one million kilowatts, with 3.28 million kilowatts under construction. The company has invested a cumulative total of 43.542 billionyuan, forging a path of eco-priority and green, low-carbon development.

State Grid Xizang Electric Power Co., Ltd. has promoted the construction of a demonstration zone for new power systems in Xizang. It has formed over 40 joint construction intention projects with power generation enterprises, completed the transmission of 1.791 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity, covering multiple regions across the country, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1.37 million tons. The proportion of clean energy generation in the region exceeds 99%, making it the provincial-level power grid with the highest proportion of clean energy generation in the country.

Currently, the installed capacity of clean energy power in the region has exceeded 10 million kilowatts, with installed capacity under construction and already built approaching 30 million kilowatts. From January to June this year, a cumulative grid investment of 2.315 billion yuan has been completed, representing a year-on-year increase of 48%. The amount of grid-connected power generation reached 6.957 billion kilowatt-hours, with a year-on-year increase of over 16.67%. The total electricity consumption of the whole society was nearly 8.426 billion kilowatt-hours, with a year-on-year increase of 12.84%...The clean energy industry in Xizang is showing a strong momentum of high-level development.

Activating a new engine for industrial development: Empowering economic development on the plateau

Central enterprises have regarded industrial aid to Xizang as a fundamental way to enhance Xizang's "blood-making" function. They have fully leveraged Xizang's resource advantages and delivered outstanding results.

The 50-megawatt photovoltaic energy storage project of State Power Investment Corporation in Dinggye County, Xizang, has been fully connected to the grid for power generation, driving income growth for the local population.

The Jicuo Wind Power Project of National Energy Group in Seni District has contributed to local economic development.

China General Nuclear Power Corporation has ventured into Gar County, Ngari Prefecture, to forge a new pattern for the clean energy industry.

The Clean Energy Equipment Industrial Park of CRRC in Shannan has been put into operation, promoting the development of the clean energy industry in Xizang.

Statistics show that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, central enterprises have made cumulative investments of nearly 145.8 billion yuan in Xizang and paid nearly 11.5 billion yuan in taxes and fees. 

From "yak dung fuel" to "multi-energy complementarity," and from the "era of isolated power grids" to the "long path of light," central enterprises continue to write legends of energy and new chapters of development on the "Roof of the World," injecting strong impetus into the long-term stability and high-quality development of Xizang.

Reporter: Li Meiying, Zhang Bin

Translator: Zhi Xinghua

Review: Phurbu Tsering, Drakpa Wangchen