An integrated sand control project with a wind and photovoltaic energy output capacity of 1 million kilowatt broke ground on Aug 15 in Ordos, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

A tractor levels the ground. [Photo provided to investordos.goinnermongolia.com.cn]

Carried out by the New Energy Company of Ordos Municipal State Assets Investment Group, the project stands out not only as the group's largest guaranteed grid-connection photovoltaic project to date, but also the first of its kind led by a municipal-level State-owned enterprise in Inner Mongolia. With a total investment of 4.05 billion yuan ($567 million), the project covers an area of about 25,000 mu (1,666.67 hectares), while its ecological management area extends to about 120,000 mu. The capacity of its energy storage section is equal to 15 percent of its total and is enough to generate two-hour-worth of power. Currently, the entire site has already been leveled, all necessary materials are in place, and 11.5 kilometers of access roads have been paved.

A bird's eye view of the site. [Photo provided to investordos.goinnermongolia.com.cn]