As an area rich in wind and solar energy, Weiyuan county in Dingxi, Gansu province has leveraged its resources to develop wind power and photovoltaic industries. It has also integrated clean energy with rural vitalization in a bid to bring prosperity to local people.

On the mountain ridge at the border of Da'an township and Beizhai town, the construction of a 100,000-kilowatt wind power project costing 477 million yuan ($66.57 million) is underway.

The construction of a 100,000-kilowatt wind power project is underway in Weiyuan county, Dingxi, Gansu province. [Photo/lzbs.com.cn]

Its annual power generation is expected to reach 202.55 million kilowatt-hours, which is equivalent to reducing standard coal consumption by 61,800 metric tons and can meet the annual electricity demands of 80,000 households.

During its construction period, the project is giving priority to helping surrounding villagers, providing more than 100 jobs.

The county has also promoted a model of renting the roofs of local farmers to co-develop the 80,000-kW distributed photovoltaic project. Since the start of construction in March, the project has benefited more than 860 households in 16 townships, enabling them to easily obtain rental income.

In addition, the county has moved to increase the village's collective income by launching a public rooftop photovoltaic project and renting the roofs of public buildings such as those housing village committees. To date, 11,500 components have been installed.