CHN Energy has recently commissioned an innovative power supply system along the Baoshen Railway, which connects Baotou in Inner Mongolia with Shenmu in Shaanxi Province. This system represents China’s first project to achieve deep integration of renewable energy generation with railway power supply. Its successful implementation not only provides valuable experience for renewable energy deployment in China’s “Three North” regions (Northeast, North, and Northwest China, characterized by deserts, sandy lands, and fragile ecosystems) but also offers a Chinese solution for green and low-carbon development in the global rail transport sector.
The arid climate and long hours of sunlight in Northwest China offer enormous potential for solar photovoltaic (PV) generation. Leveraging these unique natural conditions, the project’s technical team converts solar energy into stable electricity to power heavy freight trains. The system operates in a hybrid mode, combining conventional grid power with solar PV generation, while an intelligent control system ensures efficient integration of solar power into the railway traction network. Equipped with energy storage devices, the system can store surplus electricity and release it during peak demand, enhancing overall energy efficiency.
After commissioning, the project is expected to provide approximately 7.4 million kWh of green electricity annually, equivalent to saving around 2,200 tons of standard coal and reducing CO? emissions by about 5,800 tons. This achievement not only demonstrates China’s innovation in renewable energy but also provides valuable insights for countries and regions around the world with similar climatic conditions and natural environments.
