China builds Largest Solar Farm

China is constructing what will soon be the world’s largest solar farm, set high on the Tibetan plateau.

The massive project will cover 610 square kilometres—the size of the city of Auckland—and could provide electricity for about 5 million households once complete. Officials say two-thirds of the panels are already installed and producing power.

China is adding solar panels faster than any other country. In just the first half of 2025, it installed 212 gigawatts of solar capacity which is more than the total solar power in the United States. Solar energy has already overtaken hydropower in China and is expected to surpass wind power this year, becoming the country’s biggest source of clean energy.

Experts say this rapid growth is helping China cut carbon emissions. A recent study found that China’s emissions fell 1% in the first half of 2025, continuing a trend that began in 2024. This is important because China is the world’s largest source of greenhouse gases, which cause climate change.

Scientists believe China may now be past its peak emissions years earlier than expected. However, to reach its goal of “carbon neutrality” by 2060, the country needs to reduce emissions by about 3% every year for the next 35 years.

The solar farm is also reshaping the landscape. Panels act as windbreaks, allowing grass to grow and sheep to graze beneath them. Local officials describe it as a “win-win,” providing both clean power and better land conditions for villagers.