by Rebecca Walker — March 25, 2011—Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., the world’s largest producer of solar panels, announced it will develop a 10MW solar installation that will generate decades of clean electricity for thousands of residents of the Tibetan Plateau.
Located in Chek Kang village in the Sangri County, Shannan Prefecture, Tibet, the solar power plant will be one of the highest on earth at around 4,000 meters above sea level. With target completion by the middle of the 2011, the facility will generate around 20,000MWh of renewable electricity per year to help facilitate sustainable economic development in Tibet.
Historically, the mountainous region has relied heavily on hydroelectric resources for much of its baseload power production. However, shifting weather patterns in recent years have caused more frequent droughts and reduced water volumes in hydroelectric reservoirs, says the company.
These changes have led to peak power shortages that are an impediment to the region’s continued economic growth. The new 10MW solar power plant will help to alleviate peak power shortages and serve as a strong complement to existing hydroelectric resources.
Suntech has been active in rural electrification projects in Tibet. Over the last few years, Suntech has donated more than fifty independent solar systems for schools, community centers, and houses throughout the region. In 2008, Suntech installed a solar system at Mt. Everest base camp to provide trekkers with clean and reliable access to power. In gratitude, a team of mountaineers carried a Suntech flag to the very peak of the world.
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. is a leading producer of solar panels for residential, commercial, industrial, and utility applications. For more information, see the Web site.
