State Grid Corporation of China joins Desertec initiative

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The State Grid Corporation of China, the world’s largest state-owned utility company, has joined the Desertec Industrial Initiative (Dii).

Through its research subsidiary, China Electric Power Research Institute, SGCC will become a shareholder in Dii, whose mission statement is to tap into the sun and wind energy potential of the world’s desert regions.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

“One of the strategic focus areas of SGCC is the global allocation of renewable energy. In this framework, SGCC is very keen to find options for contributing effectively to future transmission extension projects connecting countries and continents,” said Dr. Liang Zhong Yao, CEPRI’s vice president.

“We regard Dii as a unique alliance with a strong reputation for the integration of renewable energy from the deserts into interconnected power systems.”

The partnership with SGCC will enable Dii to end the year on a brighter note. In July, an acrimonious dispute prompted a split between Dii and the Desertec Foundation, the non-profit body originally behind the concept of exploiting the renewable energy potential of desert regions. Dii had previously also lost a number of its other shareholders, including Siemens and Bosch.

The organisation also moved away from its original aim of trying to secure 20% of Europe’s electricity supply from links to huge solar and wind projects in northern Africa.  

Dii’s chief executive Paul van Sonn said the alliance with SGCC would enable Dii to capture the “huge synergies” through long-distance direct current, high voltage transmission throughout Europe and the Middle East/North Africa region.

“We feel all very honoured that SGCC decided to reinforce the ranks of our international industry initiative as a new shareholder. I warmly welcome that SGCC´s highly respected research institute CEPRI will among others contribute comprehensive experience in transmission and renewable energy technologies to our initiative,” said van Sonn.

Read Next

July 11, 2025
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has revealed that several utility-scale solar PV power plants experienced curtailment of above 25% in the National Electricity Market (NEM) in 2024.
July 10, 2025
German renewables company BayWa r.e. has secured a €3 billion (US$3.5 billion) loan for 'operational initiatives and pipeline expansion.'
July 10, 2025
US renewables developer Invenergy has launched commercial operations of 250MW Fairbanks Solar Energy Center in Sullivan County, Indiana. 
July 10, 2025
US solar residential installer Sunnova has entered into a stalking horse asset purchase agreement with Omnidian for some of its assets.
July 10, 2025
A report published by the US Department of Energy (DOE) this week claims that the previous government’s support for renewable energy could cause blackouts to “increase by 100 times” by 2030.
July 10, 2025
UbiQD has signed a supply agreement with First Solar to supply its fluorescent quantum dot technology for use in the latter’s PV panels.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK