PowerChina has connected its 400 MW Markang Dazang photovoltaic project to the grid at full capacity, marking completion of all construction work and transition to full commercial operation.

Located in Dazang township, Markang city, in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture of Sichuan province, the project sits at altitudes between 3,500 and 4,300 meters and spans approximately 7607 mu (about 507 hectares).

The facility comprises 124 photovoltaic arrays and two new 220 kV booster stations equipped with energy storage systems, alongside a 40 MW/80 MWh battery storage installation. Power generated is transmitted via 220 kV lines to the Markang 500 kV substation, feeding clean electricity into Sichuan's main grid.

The western Sichuan plateau terrain presented significant challenges, including fragmented mountainous landscapes, high-altitude oxygen deficiency and volatile weather, with temperatures dropping as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius.

The project team leveraged experience in high-altitude new energy construction to overcome technical difficulties, optimize resource allocation and accelerate installation of photovoltaic modules, cable laying and booster station commissioning during favorable construction windows.

As a key new energy project under Sichuan province's 14th "Five-Year Plan", the facility is expected to generate over 600 GWh annually once fully operational, saving approximately 200,200 tonnes of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 548,700 tonnes each year, supporting the optimization of western Sichuan's energy mix and local economic development.