

The aptly named Panda Power Plant in Datong, Shanxi province is putting an adorable face to renewable energy.

Since 2016, Panda Green Energy has been working with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to promote the development of renewable sources of energy in China. Well, it appears that their efforts have paid off.



When it’s finished, the world’s cutest power plant is expected to cover approximately 1500 acres and will be constructed in the image of “China’s national treasure,” aka a panda bear.

To do this, two primary types of solar panels will be arranged by color in order to create the adorable image of China’s most lovable ursine inhabitant. The first stage of the panda-shaped solar plant was just connected to the grid, meaning that 50 megawatts of clean, green and panda-approved energy is now available, according to Inhabitat.

By the time that construction is completed, the entire plant will produce upwards of 100 megawatts of energy. The company hopes that within the next 25 years, their solar stations will have helped to reduce carbon emissions by 2.74 million tons.



But being a cute source of clean energy isn’t this plant’s only job. The power plant will also house an activity center for Chinese youth, in the hope of educating future generations about sustainable energy starting at an early age.

Within five years, Panda Green Energy, with the help of China Merchants New Energy, hopes to expand their project, developing similar solar plants both inside and outside of China in what might be one of the best ideas ever.

But, as far renewable energy goes, China is already ahead of the game, at least when it comes to grand projects and proposals. Earlier this year, the world’s largest floating solar energy farm was completed in landlocked Anhui Province. While last month, the entire province of Qinghai was run for a week using only clean energy.

By Emma Abrams

[Images via China Merchants New Energy / Panda Green Energy]



