State Grid Kashgar Power Supply Company: Electrification Drives Desert Ecological Transformation

KASHGAR, China, March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 11, the successful energization of the final transformer for the Dawakun Desert Comprehensive Control Project in Yuepuhu County marked a significant milestone. The State Grid Kashgar Power Supply Company successfully completed the installation of 101 transformers with a capacity of 100 kVA each and constructed 128 kilometers of dedicated transmission lines, providing reliable power supply to 96 pumping wells. This achievement signifies key progress in the Southern Xinjiang "Sand Stabilization and Border Security" initiative.

The large-scale sand stabilization project, situated at the border between the Dawakun Desert and Buguri Desert, commenced on January 15. It aims to establish ecological barriers through the construction of water-saving drip irrigation systems and the planting of drought-resistant vegetation such as Haloxylon ammodendron. The State Grid Kashgar Power Supply Company proactively aligned with government planning by forming a specialized task force to conduct preliminary investigations and tailor-made power supply solutions. A green channel was established for the entire project process, enabling same-day power delivery upon acceptance. According to Jiang Xiao, Deputy Director of the Power Supply Department at State Grid Yuepuhu County Power Supply Company, an exclusive personnel tracking mechanism reduced the construction approval process by 60%, ensuring simultaneous advancement of sand control efforts and power infrastructure development.

The integration of ecological governance and economic benefits has emerged as a highlight of the project. After 1-2 years of sand stabilization, the value of the desert ecosystem can be enhanced by grafting the valuable herb Cistanche onto the roots of existing plants. Each household contracts 30-50 mu of land, contributing to both sand control and income generation. Villager Ulaimu Tohti from Bayi Awati village noted that this "desert economy" model has attracted widespread participation from local residents. Currently, the vegetation coverage rate in the project area has increased to 65%, while the rate of land desertification has decreased by 40%. It is anticipated that the average annual income per mu for villagers will increase by 3,000 yuan.

Looking forward, the State Grid Kashgar Power Supply Company plans to promote the transformation from ecological restoration to resource utilization. Future initiatives will focus on exploring "photovoltaic + sand control" and "smart irrigation" models, leveraging electrical power to unlock the potential value of desert resources, and supporting the realization of the ecological revitalization blueprint encompassing "sand control, sand utilization, and sand enrichment."

SOURCE State Grid Kashgar Power Supply Company