CGN Connects World's Highest-Altitude CSP Plant in Tibet
The 50 MW facility integrates solar thermal storage and PV heating at 4,300 meters.
1Grid Connection Milestone
China General Nuclear Power Corp connected the first 25 MW unit of its 50 MW concentrated solar power plant in Tibet on November 6. Located at an elevation of 4,300 meters, it is the highest-altitude operational facility of its kind. This project represents a significant engineering achievement for remote regional energy infrastructure.
2Project Scope and Investment
The facility is part of a larger 150 MW demonstration project in Gar County, combining 100 MW of solar PV with 50 MW of CSP capacity. Total investment for the initiative is approximately 2.4 billion Chinese yuan, or 330 million dollars. The second 25 MW turbine unit is scheduled for completion by 2026.
3Innovative Heating Mechanism
Unlike traditional CSP plants that use concentrated sunlight for heat, this facility utilizes surplus PV electricity to power a 205 MW molten salt electric heater. This system converts electricity into thermal energy for storage. The company claims this heater is the largest of its kind deployed in a global CSP application to date.
4Advanced Storage Capabilities
The plant incorporates a molten salt thermal storage system designed to provide 14 hours of energy capacity. Additionally, a lithium-ion battery system is included for rapid frequency response. During the day, PV electricity powers the heater, while stored thermal energy drives steam turbines at night or during periods of peak electricity demand.
5Combined Heat and Power
Beyond electricity generation, the facility functions as a combined heat and power plant. It supplies essential district heating to Shiquanhe, the administrative center of Ali Prefecture, during harsh winter months. This dual-purpose design addresses the specific needs of a remote border region that historically relied on diesel backup generation and long-distance transmission.
6Operational Resilience Features
The plant can switch between grid-connected and islanded operation, ensuring power supply during grid disturbances. CGN implemented a proprietary distributed control system specifically adapted for low atmospheric pressure and high ultraviolet radiation levels. These technical modifications are critical for maintaining equipment performance in the extreme environmental conditions of the Tibetan plateau region.
7National Energy Strategy
This project aligns with China's broader energy policy, which targets 15 GW of installed CSP capacity by 2030. The initiative follows previous developments like the 50 MW parabolic trough plant in Delingha, Qinghai. That facility achieved 2,824 equivalent full-load operating hours in 2024, setting a high performance benchmark for domestic CSP projects.
8Future Performance Outlook
While the grid connection marks a major milestone, the long-term efficiency of the integrated PV-powered heating and thermal storage systems remains to be proven. Sustained operating conditions, particularly during the extreme winter season, will be the ultimate test for this technology. Observers are monitoring whether these systems meet their projected output targets.
Original article: pv magazine — CGN Connects World's Highest-Altitude CSP Plant in Tibet