China Launches World’s Largest Hybrid Solar Power Plant Operational After Sunset

• July 10, 2026

China Three Gorges Corporation, a state-owned enterprise, has commenced commercial operation of the world’s largest hybrid solar power facility. This innovative plant integrates traditional photovoltaic panels with heliostat technology, enabling it to generate electricity even after sunset.

Unlike conventional heliostat systems that typically involve a central tower surrounded by a field of mirrors, the heliostat component of this plant features a groundbreaking, fully horizontal design. This distinctive configuration sets it apart from previously known solar concentrator arrangements and contributes to the hybrid system’s enhanced efficiency and extended operational hours.

Advancing Hybrid Solar Technology

The hybrid solar plant combines two main energy-harvesting methods. Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into electricity during daylight hours, a standard approach across solar installations worldwide. The heliostat segment, however, focuses sunlight onto a thermal receiver using an array of reflective elements laid out in a flat formation. This design serves to capture and store solar energy as heat, which can then be converted into electricity even when the sun has set, addressing a critical challenge for solar power—intermittency.

By merging these technologies, the facility aims to provide a more stable and continuous power supply compared to traditional solar plants. The ability to operate beyond sunset signifies a significant development in renewable energy, as it addresses one of the common limitations of solar power: dependency on direct sunlight.

China Three Gorges has been at the forefront of large-scale renewable energy projects, and this hybrid plant exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovative energy solutions. While specific details on the plant’s capacity, geographical location, and full operational metrics have not been disclosed, its inauguration marks an important milestone in green energy deployment and hybrid solar technology.

As the global push for cleaner energy intensifies, hybrid systems such as this could play a pivotal role by combining the strengths of photovoltaic and concentrated solar power technologies. Such advancements may lead to more resilient and adaptable renewable energy infrastructures worldwide.

China’s state-owned China Three Gorges has started commercial operation of the largest hybrid solar plant, combining panels with a unique heliostat design.