The world's tallest solar power plant

China Caipeng Solar Energy Storage Power Plant is located at an altitude of 5,228 m and is equipped with 170,000 solar panels with a 20 MW/80 MW energy storage system.

The Caipeng solar energy storage plant has completed its first phase. Photo: PV Magazine

Chinese power producer China Huadian Corporation has completed the second phase of the Caipeng Solar Energy Storage Power Plant in Shannan, Tibet, located at an altitude of 5,228 meters, making it the highest solar power plant in the world. The plant surpassed the first phase of construction at 5,100 meters. The project proves that renewable energy projects can thrive in the most remote and harsh environments, Interesting Engineering reported on December 21.

Phase 2 of the Caipeng plant will cover 1.4 square kilometers and add an additional 100 MW of capacity, building on the initial 50 MW phase that was launched in December 2023. Together, the two phases aim to address seasonal power shortages in central Tibet during winter and spring.

Construction of Phase 2 began in August 2024. By using prefabricated supports and an on-site assembly line, PowerChina, the project contractor, completed the project in just 115 days, 42 days ahead of schedule. These methods increased construction efficiency by 40% despite the challenging plateau environment.

The project uses N-type bifacial (TOPCon) panels, which offer higher conversion efficiency and exploit the high snow reflectivity in the area to improve power generation. According to PowerChina, these panels are 7.5% more efficient than conventional panels. The advanced modules collect sunlight reflected from the ground, significantly increasing energy production. The result is an overall efficiency of 20% over traditional monofacial panels, allowing for greater power generation and maximizing the potential of the available sunlight.

The plant has a total capacity of 150 MW, including 170,000 photovoltaic panels and a 20 MW/80 MW energy storage system. The arrangement is designed to provide 80,000 kWh of electricity for up to four hours after dark, helping to alleviate power shortages in central Tibet. The 20 MW/80 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) from Sungrow features advanced stem cell storage technology, enabling ultra-fast voltage, frequency regulation, and grid stability. With liquid cooling technology and AI thermal management, the system improves safety and performance.

Bifacial battery technology not only improves performance under normal conditions, but also takes advantage of snow and other reflective surfaces, especially in high-altitude environments like Tibet where sunlight can be more intense.