Gansu Utilizes Advanced Technologies to Assess Wind and Solar Energy Resources

The Gansu Provincial Energy Bureau has completed a comprehensive survey of wind and solar energy resources using cutting-edge technologies such as big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, geographic information systems, satellite remote sensing, LiDAR, and numerical modeling. The 10-month project, led by Huo Zijun, Director of the bureau, has provided a more detailed understanding of the province's renewable energy potential.

At a press conference held by the Gansu Provincial Government, the survey results revealed significant increases in both wind and solar energy potential. The newly assessed theoretical wind energy capacity stands at 1.074 billion kilowatts, up by 514 million kilowatts from previous estimates, with a technically exploitable capacity of 470 million kilowatts. For solar energy, the theoretical capacity reached 11.257 billion kilowatts, an increase of 1.757 billion kilowatts, with a technically exploitable capacity of 1.386 billion kilowatts.

"Gansu ranks among the top regions in China for both theoretical and technically exploitable wind and solar energy resources," Huo Zijun stated. The survey produced high-precision resource maps and databases at a county-level resolution, with hourly temporal and 1-kilometer spatial accuracy.

As a key national hub for energy production, storage, and transmission, Gansu plays a vital role in supplying clean electricity to central and eastern China, supporting the country's carbon peak and neutrality goals. The province has established itself as a leading supplier of "clean Gansu electricity."

Huo emphasized that accurate resource assessment is essential for planning new energy projects and optimizing large-scale, market-driven development of wind and photovoltaic power.

Wang Yongjie, Deputy Director of the Gansu Provincial Energy Bureau, noted that while wind and solar resource assessments began two decades ago, rapid advancements in renewable energy technology necessitated a new, more detailed survey. The findings will guide decision-making in power transmission base construction, modern grid development, and distributed energy projects.