https://j.people.com.cn/n3/2026/0630/c95952-20472645.html

On the plains in western Jilin Province, a 233-meter-high solar tower stands tall like a huge silver needle. Around the tower, 19,667 heliostats are arranged in a circular pattern like a ‘steel sunflower.’ Each mirror adjusts its angle in real time to accurately reflect and focus sunlight for power generation at the top of the tower, according to Xinhua.

This is the 100,000 kW tower-type molten salt solar thermal power project at CGN’s Jixi Base in Da’an City, Jilin Province. It was completed and started operation on June 29, becoming the northernmost tower-type molten salt solar thermal power plant in China and the first solar thermal power plant in Northeast China.

The CGN Jixi Base 100,000 kW tower-type molten salt solar thermal power project site in Da’an City, Jilin Province. (Image credit: source)

The project is expected to generate about 180 million kWh of electricity annually, which could reduce standard coal consumption by about 60,000 tons and carbon dioxide emissions by about 130,000 tons each year.

As the first solar thermal power plant in Northeast China, the project overcame challenges such as harsh winter cold, saline soil, high groundwater levels, and sticky soil. Crucial technologies were established, including molten salt anti-freezing technology, wind and snow resistant heliostats, and pile foundation construction techniques in low temperatures, creating a technical solution suitable for deployment in high-latitude, extremely cold areas.

Photo: The heliostat array at the CGN Jixi Base 100,000 kW tower-type molten salt solar thermal power project in Da’an City, Jilin Province. (Image credit: source)