Yizhou builds power generation base to boost rural vitalization

On Oct 2, the 1,800-mu (120-hectare) photovoltaic power generation base in Guyu village, Anma township, Yizhou district, was connected to the grid.

Located 73 kilometers away from Yizhou's urban area, Guyu village has limited arable land due to its mountainous terrain, with poor natural conditions. Most of the land is used for planting economic trees such as pine and fir, resulting in low productivity. Moreover, lacking strong industrial support, the overall economic development of the village has been lagging.

In 2021, the Yizhou district government introduced a 100MW agricultural photovoltaic power generation project by Jingke Electric Technology, which has a planned total investment of 410 million yuan ($56 million) and aims to requisition 2,000 mu of land.

Currently, the "photovoltaic barriers" on the hills of Guyu village have all been fully installed. The project involves the installation of approximately 150,000 solar panels, with a total installed length of approximately 80,000 meters.

"Since 2021, land rentals have brought in 5.22 million yuan in income for the villagers. Over the next 20 years, the villagers will continue to receive stable dividend income," said Liao Xunqiang, Party chief of Guyu village. The project has also addressed the employment issues of some villagers, Liao added.

According to Kang Xuequan, project manager of Jingke Electric Technology, after the project is put into operation, it will have an estimated average daily power generation of 3 million kilowatt-hours. Furthermore, the project is expected to provide Guyu village with 80 jobs, including daily maintenance of photovoltaic panels and weed trimming.

The photovoltaic power generation base in Guyu village. [Photo/Hechi Daily]