Sinopec has commissioned its first desert-area microgrid project integrating wind, solar, storage and gas generation.

Located in the Guaizihu production area of Zhongyuan Oilfield's Inner Mongolia operation, the project replaces gas and diesel generators that previously supplied power to the remote desert site.

The microgrid combines 30 kW of wind capacity, 181.44 kW of solar capacity, a 150 kW/645 kWh energy storage system and a 200 kW gas generator set, forming an off-grid power system that prioritises renewables with storage for peak shaving and gas as backup.

The project is expected to generate 356,000 kWh of green power annually and save 178,000 cubic metres of natural gas, providing reliable electricity for two production wells, a 120 kW DC charging station and the living quarters at the Guaizihu site.