The Shaguohuang Power Complex with a total capacity of 14.2 GW is under construction in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. The project is being implemented by China Huadian and China Resources Group.

Complex structure

The complex includes:

• 4 GW of coal generation (supercritical power units);
• 7 GW of wind generation;
• 3 GW of solar photovoltaic generation;
• 200 MW of solar thermal power plant;
• 1.2 GW / 4.8 GWh of electrochemical energy storage system.

Implementation timeframes

Most of the facilities (except for the solar thermal power plant) should be commissioned by the end of 2025. The first two coal-fired power units, each with a capacity of 1 GW, have completed 168 hours of load testing and began operation on June 13, 2025.

Power Transmission

Once fully operational, the complex will supply 36 billion kWh of electricity to Chongqing annually. This volume covers about 24% of the city’s needs.

The context of China’s energy strategy

The construction of large power complexes in sparsely populated regions (such as Xinjiang, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia) with subsequent transmission of electricity to industrial and densely populated centers is part of the “West-to-East Transmission” (西电东送) strategy.

A similar project with a capacity of 19.24 GW began construction in March 2025 in Qinghai Province. Electricity from this base will be transmitted to the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Conclusion

The Shaguohuang Power Base is one of several large energy projects aimed at optimizing energy distribution in China. Its commissioning will increase the share of renewable energy sources in the overall balance while maintaining the stability of energy supply through coal generation and storage systems.