Photovoltaic installed capacity in Shanxi province has surpassed hydropower for the first time as of early July, marking a significant step for energy structure transformation in the province.

Shanxi’s photovoltaic installed capacity reached 2.54 million KW, making it the third most productive power generation approach, after thermal and wind.

The operation of 13 projects at the national advanced technology demonstration base for photovoltaic power in Datong has brought new energy development in Shanxi to a higher level.

Shanxi has recently striven to develop power generation through renewable energy to upgrade from the traditional coal-power industry.

Its wind electricity capacity has quadrupled since 2009, and has exceeded the installed capacity of hydropower to become the second largest electricity generator.

The wind power and photovoltaic power have a combined installed capacity of nearly 10 million KW, meaning Shanxi is one of the biggest new energy-producing provinces in China.

The overall installed power-generating capacity in Shanxi amounts to 72.19 million KW, including 60.16 million KW in thermal power, 7.05 million KW in wind power and 2.44 million KW in hydro power.