Xizang, the ancient and mysterious plateau, is radiating vibrant energy under the impetus of new productive forces. From the widespread use of clean energy to the deep integration of modern technology, Xizang's economic and social development is encountering unprecedented new opportunities.
In recent years, Bazha Township in Bailang County, Xigaze City, Xizang, has promoted new barley varieties such as Zangqing 3000 and mechanized planting. The image shows farmers harvesting barley.
The Rise of Clean Energy
Xizang boasts abundant resources in wind, hydro, solar and geothermal energy, with immense development potential. In recent years, the clean energy sector in Xizang has rapidly advanced, with large projects being established. For instance, Omatinga Wind Farm in Seni District, Naqu City, developed by CHN Energy, is the largest wind power project in terms of single-unit capacity and total installed capacity in ultra-high-altitude areas, generating approximately 200 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, enough to meet the annual energy needs of 230,000 locals. This project also saves about 60,000 tons of standard coal each year, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 160,000 tons.
Currently, Xizang has established a unified grid with a 500 kV main network and coordinated development of various grid levels, forming a new comprehensive energy system that primarily relies on hydropower, supplemented by geothermal, wind and solar energy. Xizang has an installed power capacity of 24.14 million kilowatts, with clean energy accounting for over 95%, ranking among the highest in the country.
A worker at a 3D printing company in Cai Village, Lhasa, Xizang, is handling printed products.
Support from the Digital Economy
Xizang is leveraging its unique climatic advantages to develop big data centers and promote high-quality growth in the digital economy. In the past three years, the annual growth rate of Xizang's digital economy value added has exceeded 14%. In 2023, it reached 25.098 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 19.3%, with the digital economy's share of the region's GDP surpassing 10%, doubling the GDP growth rate.
The widespread application of digital technologies has enabled unique plateau products to reach national and global markets through e-commerce platforms, while also significantly improving government service efficiency and optimizing the business environment. Additionally, the proliferation of telemedicine and online education resources has brought transformative changes to Xizang's education and healthcare sectors.
The solar heat collection field for the centralized heating project in Shenzha County, Xizang. Xinhua News Agency
Promotion of Technological Innovation
Xizang is leveraging its resource endowments and industrial foundation to continuously transform and enhance traditional industries through new technologies. This approach accelerates the advancement of industries towards higher-end, intelligent and green solutions, while coordinating the upgrading of traditional industries, strengthening emerging industries, and nurturing future industries, thereby injecting continuous new vitality into the development of new productive forces.
Currently, technological innovation plays an increasingly important role in Xizang's economic and social development. From addressing livelihood issues to promoting industrial upgrades, technological innovation is becoming a key driving force for the development of new productive forces.
Tibet Angel Everest Biotechnology Co., Ltd. has achieved full-process automatic control through digitization, intelligence and automated workshops, producing high-quality probiotic products and dietary supplements. This fills a gap in the region's biotech products and fosters a local probiotic industry, continually invigorating Xizang's economy.
With the deepening implementation of the 14th Five-year Plan, Xizang's GDP has increased from 190 billion RMB to nearly 240 billion RMB last year, and per capita GDP has risen from 52,300 RMB to 60,000 RMB. The growth rate of per capita disposable income for urban and rural residents has consistently ranked among the highest in the country.
Xizang is forging a new path for high-quality development of its plateau economy.
