Huge Chinese solar project to come online this year

The project in the city of Zhangye in Gansu province will be a key contribution to China's renewable energy goals.

The 50 megawatt solar project will be operated by state-owned renewable energy development company GSHHSD in northwestern China. It is expected to contribute significantly towards attaining China's renewable energy production goal of 15 gigawatts by 2015.

The solar project will contribute to the region's government-backed goals that aim to curb demand for fossil fuels by increasing renewable energy development through solar, wind, nuclear and hydropower. The GSHHSD project is expected to connect with the state-operated grid within the year.

China's 12th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development that began in 2011 designates solar power as one of the country's seven "strategic emerging industries." Through 2015, rapid development of this industry will be strongly supported by the state, which also includes support for domestic manufacturing and installation as well as research and development within the sector.

Solar modules for the project will be provided by JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., a vertically integrated solar power product manufacturer.

"We are impressed with JinkoSolar's integrity, stable operation and excellent product quality. We believe that JinkoSolar is in a position to provide us with first-class photovoltaic products that meet our needs. It is also our hope that this partnership will give impetus to even more wide-spread solar energy applications," said GSHHSD Chairman Xingjie Zhu.