IN the high-altitude regions of Guizhou Province in Southwest China, the livelihood of residents used to rely on growing crops like potatoes and buckwheat. However, thanks to the rapid development of the new energy industry, these mountainous areas have undergone a significant transformation, embracing newfound opportunities for growth. “Crop yield in these areas was very low due to the high altitude and harsh climate. Grazing further degraded the environment,” said Ma Li, an official from the rural revitalization bureau of Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining. Fortunately, these challenges have now been turned into advantages, as the local government has actively introduced new energy industries such as wind power and solar power to expedite the region’s development. In 2019, a remarkable milestone was achieved in Ertang Town, Weining. A large-scale photovoltaic power station situated at Guizhou’s highest altitude was built and became operational. The photovoltaic power station, spanning an area of over 866,000 square meters, has a capacity to generate 53 million kWh of electricity per year. According to Tian Haokun, the head of the power station built by Guizhou Jinyuan Co., Ltd. of State Power Investment Corporation Limited, the company pays substantial land rent to villagers and provides job opportunities for them. The flourishing plants under the solar panels also contribute to environmental restoration. To maximize land utilization, the company has cultivated crops such as medicinal herbs and vegetables beneath the solar panels, thereby increasing the land’s value and creating additional employment opportunities for the residents. Zhang Puqing, responsible for another photovoltaic power station in Anlong County, Bouyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Qianxinan, shared that around 30 villagers work daily, performing tasks such as solar panel cleaning and weeding during farming off-seasons. This arrangement ensures a stable income for the villagers throughout the year. In addition to solar power, wind power is witnessing significant growth in the province. The first wind power project was launched and connected to the grid in 2011. As of June of this year, Guizhou’s total installed new energy capacity reached 21.8 million kilowatts, with wind power accounting for more than 6 million kilowatts and solar power exceeding 15 million kilowatts. A number of new energy projects are currently under construction across the province. By 2025, the projected total installed capacity of wind power generation is 10.8 million kilowatts, while solar power generation is expected to reach 31 million kilowatts. (Xinhua) | 