China has completed a massive power loop project around the Tarim Basin in southern Xinjiang. This 4,197-kilometre loop connects some of the country’s most remote desert areas to the national power grid. The final section of the 750-kilovolt loop was linked on Sunday. This marked the end of a 15-year project led by State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co. The full loop includes nine substations and nearly 10,000 steel towers. It is expected to be fully operational by November 2025.
This power loop encircles the Taklimakan Desert, the world’s second-largest drifting desert. For years, frequent sandstorms and isolation limited development in southern Xinjiang. Oases and small towns often lacked stable electricity. However, the new grid changes that reality. It allows energy to flow in multiple directions, unlike older, linear power lines. The power loop will improve reliability, cut power outages, and support new development in the region.
Officials believe the project will help integrate renewable energy from Xinjiang. Solar and wind farms in the region can now send electricity to major cities across China. This supports the country’s shift toward cleaner energy sources. The loop also strengthens the grid’s ability to respond to emergencies. It can re-route electricity quickly during disruptions, boosting national energy security.
State Grid said the loop’s construction was challenging. Crews worked through deserts, mountains, and extreme weather. Advanced technology helped them place nearly 10,000 steel towers across harsh terrain. Experts say this grid upgrade brings new hope to Xinjiang’s isolated communities. Reliable electricity will support farming, manufacturing, tourism, and daily life. It also opens the door to better education and healthcare in desert towns.
The power loop reflects China’s long-term plan to link its farthest regions into the national economy. With power flowing through the desert, southern Xinjiang is finally connected to growth and opportunity.
