In the midsummer grasslands of Huade, Inner Mongolia, wind sweeps across the hills, turning the blades of white wind turbines, while sunlight bathes deep blue photovoltaic panels, creating vast expanses resembling a "blue ocean." Nearby, the steady hum of energy storage station equipment converts the variable output of wind and solar power into a stable current fed into the grid.

For Zhang Youfu, a resident of Huade County in Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, these turbines and panels mean he can continue farming without interruption while earning several thousand yuan more each year. "Since the panels were installed, the wind and sand have lessened, and grass has started to grow. They not only generate electricity but also help control the desertification," he said.

Giant "Power Bank" Stabilizes the Grid

With increased wind and solar capacity, a common challenge for many major renewable energy counties is whether the grid can handle the load. Huade's solution is to build a giant "power bank." In Chaoyang Town, a 100 MW / 400 MWh energy storage demonstration project is already operational. At the site, the equipment hums steadily, monitoring screens display constantly changing numbers, and the system precisely switches between storing and discharging electricity.

"This is essentially a giant rechargeable battery," said Guo Xiao, the project manager. When wind and solar power are abundant, the system stores the energy; during peak demand, it releases it steadily. With a total investment of nearly 1 billion yuan, the project can absorb nearly 150 million kWh of renewable energy annually, generate about 105 million kWh per year, and is expected to contribute over 15 million yuan in annual tax revenue.

Guo Xiao noted that what's most reassuring is not just the advanced technology but the fact that previous concerns about unstable grid integration of wind and solar power are now addressed. With energy storage for regulation, more renewable energy can be reliably accommodated and utilized effectively.

Simultaneously, another grid-side independent energy storage demonstration project, with a total investment of 541 million yuan, is progressing. Utilizing a "electrochemical + hydrogen storage" model, it is planned to be fully connected to the grid by the end of this year.

Green "Bank" Beneath the Panels Enriches Farmers

In Huade, renewable energy is not just an abstract industrial term. The first phase of Datang's Huade County Desertification Control and Wind-Solar Integrated Project, with 300 MW of photovoltaic capacity, has been completed. Across 44,000 mu of sandy land, photovoltaic panels are neatly arranged, with sand-fixing plants like milkvetch and caragana taking root beneath them. When the wind blows, the once-bare sandy ground no longer easily kicks up dust.

Wang Jiafei, Chairman of Huade County Jiabusi Energy Company, explained that this project brings over 2 million yuan in annual land lease income to surrounding village collectives. "We generate power on the panels, control desertification beneath them, addressing three goals—desert control, power generation, and enriching residents—in one go," he said.

Villager Zhang Youfu from Chaoyang Town is one beneficiary, having leased his several dozen mu of sandy land to the photovoltaic project. "That land used to grow nothing, with sandstorms every year. Now, I don't have to worry about it, I get annual lease payments, grass grows under the panels, and I can even cut it to feed my sheep," he said.

Many herders and farmers like Zhang Youfu are experiencing these benefits. Across the county, 25.48 MW of village-level photovoltaic assistance power stations and three distributed photovoltaic projects have all been connected to the grid, with power generation revenues used for rural revitalization and supporting residents in need.

"Fast-Track" Approval Strengthens Industry

For renewable energy projects to move from plan to reality, approval is a critical step. "We have opened a green channel for new energy projects, implementing tolerance for missing documents and parallel approvals to reduce corporate red tape and accelerate project implementation," said Guo Guangbing, Director of the Huade County Development and Reform Commission. For key projects over 100 MW, county-level leadership provides direct liaison and全程 coordination.

Over the past three years, Huade has reduced new energy project approval times by 70%, with project implementation speed ranking among the top in the city. The county has cumulatively approved and filed 319 projects with a total investment of 20.309 billion yuan, of which new energy and supporting industry projects account for over 60%.

Since 2023, Huade has secured a total of 465 million yuan in various upper-level investments, including central and autonomous region budget funds and special bonds. By the end of June this year, Huade's total installed capacity of wind and solar power reached 2.268 GW, with 1.4655 GW added during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period. This green electricity can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 4 million tons annually and save approximately 1.5 million tons of standard coal.

Xue Fengqing, Secretary of the Huade County Party Committee, stated that the energy storage project releases not only 105 million kWh of green electricity but also signals a transformation in the county's industrial structure. "Behind the total investment exceeding 20 billion yuan, it drives the coordinated development of related industrial chains such as equipment manufacturing, technical services, and operation and maintenance support."