Aug 2, 2025 /eszoneo/ —
As China accelerates the deployment of large-scale energy storage to support renewable integration and grid stability, state-owned developers are scaling up investments in independent storage infrastructure across key regions. The commissioning of major standalone projects aligns with Xinjiang's push to convert its resource potential into clean energy capacity, backed by regional policy support and infrastructure coordination. China Huadian’s recent progress in southern Xinjiang reflects this trend, leveraging new energy storage to improve curtailment management and drive localized economic development. In this context, the grid connection of the first 500 MW phase of Huadian’s Kashgar project marks a significant milestone in China’s utility-scale storage expansion.
The first phase (500 MW / 2,000 MWh) of China Huadian’s 1-GW standalone energy storage project in Kashgar, Xinjiang, was successfully connected to the grid. Once fully operational, the facility will become the largest independent electrochemical energy storage power station in the country by single-unit capacity.
The commissioning of this project marks a key strategic move by China Huadian's Xinjiang branch to implement regional development directives set by the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Party Committee. It supports economic growth in southern Xinjiang, promotes employment, boosts local income, and enhances ethnic integration through shared access to the benefits of high-quality development. The project also plays a critical role in enhancing Kashgar’s capacity to convert local resource advantages, accelerate the deployment of new energy storage, and strengthen the regional power system’s flexibility and renewable energy integration.
With a total investment of approximately RMB 3.2 billion (USD 440 million), the project adopts a hybrid model combining grid-forming and conventional energy storage technologies. Each of the two phases is designed for 250 MW / 1,000 MWh, consisting of 100 lithium iron phosphate battery systems and a 220 kV collection substation. Once completed, the plant will be capable of storing 1.14 TWh of electricity annually during off-peak periods and discharging 1.04 TWh during peak demand. It is expected to reduce the local PV curtailment rate by approximately 10% per year.
Beyond its operational benefits, the project is expected to serve as a benchmark for the design, technology application, and standardization of large-scale energy storage in China. It will provide valuable experience in construction, operation, and management for the broader energy storage industry.
Since construction began, Huadian Xinjiang has actively implemented the strategic directives of both regional authorities and the company’s Party committee. With strong support from State Grid Xinjiang and participating contractors, the company has pursued its "Climb" initiative, secured critical resources, and resolved project bottlenecks through a results-oriented management model. By emphasizing safety, schedule control, and governance, the team has worked diligently to ensure timely progress toward project milestones.
Source: escn.com.cn
