Imagine an ocean of shimmering blue solar panels stretching across a vast desert, a sight so stunning it’s visible from space. This is the jaw-dropping reality of China’s Kubuqi Desert, where the country is leading a breathtaking energy transition that could redefine global power dynamics. As the world grapples with climate change, China, the largest greenhouse gas emitter, is charging ahead with ambitious solar projects, leaving other nations in its dust.

In this arid region of Inner Mongolia, solar installations are not just mere investments; they are a vital component of China’s quest to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. While many countries have hesitated to venture into desert solar due to economic and technical hurdles, China's commitment is unwavering. Local resident Chang Yongfei sums it up perfectly: “Before, there was nothing here... it was desolate.” Today, fields of solar panels ripple across the land like an electric blue ocean.

According to satellite images analyzed by AFP, over 100 square kilometers of solar panels have been installed in Kubuqi, an area roughly the size of Paris. This monumental expansion is part of China’s promise to boost its wind and solar capacity by over six times compared to 2020 levels, aiming to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10% from peak levels.

Yet, operating in the desert is no simple feat. The harsh environment presents significant challenges: sandstorms can wreak havoc on equipment, and high temperatures reduce solar efficiency. To combat these issues, innovative technologies such as self-cleaning ventilators and double-sided solar cells that capture light reflected from the ground have been deployed.

However, transporting this clean energy remains a daunting task. Kubuqi’s electricity is intended for major urban centers like Beijing and Tianjin, hundreds of kilometers away. Unfortunately, the rapid growth of solar capacity has outstripped the development of the power grid, leading to energy loss and congested transmission lines. As analyst David Fishman highlights, a robust infrastructure is crucial to avoid bottlenecks and ensure that the generated power reaches those who need it.

In a stark contrast, despite this solar boom, China is still heavily reliant on coal. In fact, more coal power was brought online in the first half of this year than at any point since 2016. The juxtaposition of coal-laden trucks and expansive solar fields paints a complex picture of energy transition in the region.

For local residents like Chang, the transformation has been life-changing. Formerly a coal industry worker, he now runs a hotel that caters to tourists seeking adventure among the dunes. Kubuqi has become a viral sensation in China, offering quadbike tours, camel rides, and dune surfing, creating new economic opportunities for the community. “The transition has been very good for the region,” he asserts, though he worries that the endless solar expansion might overshadow local livelihoods. “But I have confidence the government will leave us a little bit,” he adds optimistically. “It should be enough.”