Imagine a desert turning green! 🌵➡️🌿 That's what's happening at the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert in Xinjiang's Hotan region. A groundbreaking \"solar power and agriculture\" project is not only generating renewable energy but also breathing life into the sandy dunes.
Over just 200 days, rows upon rows of towering solar panels have sprouted across the desert landscape. But these aren't just any solar panels—they're desert heroes! Standing 4.5 meters tall and angled perfectly at 33 degrees, they act as wind barriers, slashing wind speeds and taming the notorious sandstorms that used to rage for half the year. 💨✋
But wait, there's more! Underneath these shiny solar giants, the desert floor is getting a green makeover. Agricultural experts tested over ten types of crops and found alfalfa to be the perfect fit. Next spring, lush fields of alfalfa will blanket the sand beneath the panels, their roots anchoring the soil and preventing erosion. Talk about teamwork! 🌱🤝
This genius combo of solar power and agriculture is doing triple duty: generating clean energy, boosting farmers' incomes, and fighting desertification. As efforts continue, we might see more deserts turning into green energy hubs. Who knew the desert could be so cool? 😎🏜️
Reference(s):
Innovative approaches to combating desertification in Xinjiang
cgtn.com
