A staff member works at the production line of wind power equipment in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 20, 2018. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)

　　URUMQI, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix.

　　Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission.

　　It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago.

　　The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power.

　　The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east.

　　Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country.

　　According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW.

　　To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal.

　　Workers check equipment at a wind power plant in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 18, 2018. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)

　　Photo taken on Sept. 20, 2018 shows a photovoltaic power plant in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)

　　File photo taken on May 11, 2011 shows the producing department of Goldwind Science and Technology Co.,Ltd. in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in Xinjiang amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)

　　Workers install a wind turbine at the wind energy base of Hami in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 5, 2015. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Li Hua)

　　Photo taken on Sept. 20, 2018 shows a photovoltaic power plant in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)

　　Villager Pan Linqi cleans solar panels in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 21, 2018. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)

　　Photo taken on Sept. 18, 2018 shows a photovoltaic power plant in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)

　　A set of solar panels are set up for power supply to the yurt, a movable home for nomads inside the Wakhan Corridor in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 6, 2016. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)

　　Wind turbines are seen at Yandun Wind Power Base in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 20, 2017. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Cai Zengle)

　　Aerial photo taken on Sept. 20, 2018 shows a photovoltaic power plant in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)

　　Photo taken on June 6, 2014 shows a wind power plant in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)

　　A vehicle runs across a wind power plant in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 18, 2018. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)

　　Photo taken on Sept. 21, 2018 shows a transmission project in Shanshan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)

　　Staff members check the facilities at a transformer substation in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 18, 2018. New energy power generation saw double digit growth last year in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region amid efforts to reduce coal consumption to improve the energy mix. Wind and solar power generation rose 15.2 percent and 13.6 percent to 36 billion kwh and 11.7 billion kwh respectively, according to the regional development and reform commission. It said 22.9 percent of installed wind power generating capacity and 15.5 percent of the solar power generating capacity in Xinjiang were left idle last year, respectively 6.9 percentage points and 6.1 percentage points lower than a year ago. The idle capacity was a result of higher costs, rapid capacity increases, poor grid connections and the grid's preference for more predictable coal-generated power. The lower idle capacity came as local authorities encouraged more local consumption and transmitted more to regions in the country's bustling east. Despite the efforts, the idle rates in Xinjiang were still one of the highest in the country. According to the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. Ltd., Xinjiang has a total installed power generating capacity of 85.5 GW, with wind and solar energy contributing 28.7 GW. To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle air pollution, China has been trying to use more renewable energy to reduce its heavy reliance on polluting coal. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)