Xizang achieves full heating coverage above 5,000 meters

The Xizang autonomous region has achieved full heating coverage for farmers and herders living at altitudes above 5,000 meters, benefiting over 1,500 households, according to a recent press conference in Lhasa, the regional capital.

Cheng Deli, deputy head of the region's department of housing and urban-rural development, highlighted the department's collaboration with relevant agencies to implement clean energy heating pilot projects.

Despite its fragile ecological environment, Xizang is rich in solar and geothermal energy resources. The region has leveraged these natural advantages to adopt clean energy heating, ensuring that residents remain warm during the harsh winters while preserving the environment.

Statistics reveal that seven franchised pilot projects have attracted nearly 3.8 billion yuan ($533 million) in social capital, resulting in new and renovated heating areas exceeding 6 million square meters and benefiting nearly 200,000 people.

Wang Gang, director of the Clean Energy Development Center of China Urban Construction Design & Research Institute Co, said that Xizang launched its first clean heating pilot project in January 2024. Since then, the counties of Tsochen, Gojo, Chusum, and the district of Samdrubze have adopted solar thermal heating technology, the counties of Kongpo'gyada and Lhundrub have utilized air source heat pump technology, and the Sernyi district has implemented geothermal heating.

"These initiatives ensure that indoor temperatures during the heating season consistently remain above 18 C, with some projects exceeding 20 C, and that pilot projects using solar thermal heating not only meet heating needs but also provide 24-hour hot water throughout the year," Wang said.