Report on the PowerChina Xianlong Agri-Photovoltaic Project and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Project Overview

• Project Name: PowerChina Xianlong 270MW Agri-Photovoltaic Complementary Project
• Location: Yongchuan District, Chongqing
• Commencement Date: August 19
• Total Investment (Combined Projects): 4.2 billion yuan
• Project-Specific Investment: Approximately 1 billion yuan
• Associated Initiative: Launch of an artificial cavern compressed air energy storage project

Technical Specifications and Environmental Impact

• Capacity: 270MW
• Projected Annual Electricity Output: 283 million kWh
• Annual Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction: 282,100 tons
• Annual Standard Coal Savings: 85,400 tons

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The project directly contributes to increasing the share of renewable energy in the national grid by generating 283 million kWh of solar power annually.
   • It advances the transition to sustainable energy systems, ensuring access to affordable and clean energy.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The initiative takes urgent action to combat climate change by reducing CO2 emissions by 282,100 tons per year.
   • By displacing the use of 85,400 tons of standard coal, the project significantly mitigates the carbon footprint of regional energy production.
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger & SDG 15: Life on Land
   • As an “Agri-Photovoltaic Complementary Project,” it promotes a dual-use land strategy that integrates sustainable agriculture with clean energy generation.
   • This model supports food security and sustainable land management by allowing for agricultural activities to coexist with solar infrastructure.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The 1 billion yuan investment fosters the development of resilient, sustainable, and reliable infrastructure.
   • The concurrent launch of a compressed air energy storage project highlights a commitment to innovation in energy systems, crucial for grid stability and the integration of renewables.
5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The substantial investment of 4.2 billion yuan across the combined projects stimulates sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth in the Yongchuan District.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article’s central theme is the construction of a 270MW photovoltaic project, which is a form of clean and renewable energy. This directly aligns with the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The project’s environmental benefits are explicitly stated, including a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. This demonstrates a direct action to combat climate change and its impacts, which is the core objective of SDG 13.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The article describes a major investment (4.2 billion yuan) in building new, sustainable energy infrastructure. The project combines innovative technologies like agri-photovoltaics and compressed air energy storage, contributing to building resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
4. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The project is described as an “Agri-Photovoltaic Complementary Project.” This model implies the dual use of land for both agriculture and solar power generation, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and efficient land use, which is relevant to ensuring sustainable food production systems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • The project contributes directly to this target by adding 270MW of solar power capacity, which will generate 283 million kWh of renewable electricity annually.
2. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • While the article doesn’t mention national policies, a large-scale project like this is a tangible implementation of climate change mitigation strategies. The stated goal to “reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 282,100 tons” is a direct climate action measure.
3. Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
   • The construction of a photovoltaic power plant and a compressed air energy storage facility represents an investment in clean and environmentally sound technology. The project increases resource efficiency by saving “85,400 tons of standard coal annually.”
4. Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
   • The “agri-photovoltaic” model is an innovative and resilient practice that allows for the simultaneous production of food and clean energy, optimizing land use and contributing to sustainable systems.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Annual renewable energy generation:
   • The article states the project will have an “annual electricity output of 283 million kWh.” This figure is a direct indicator of the amount of clean energy produced, contributing to Target 7.2.
2. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions:
   • The specific mention that the project will “reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 282,100 tons” annually serves as a direct indicator for measuring progress on climate action (Target 13.2).
3. Fossil fuel savings:
   • The article quantifies the project’s impact by stating it will “save 85,400 tons of standard coal annually.” This is an indicator of increased resource-use efficiency and the displacement of fossil fuels, relevant to Target 9.4.
4. Investment in clean energy infrastructure:
   • The “total investment of 4.2 billion yuan” is a financial indicator that measures the mobilization of resources towards sustainable infrastructure, aligning with the principles of SDG 9.

Summary Table

Source: solarbeglobal.com