Photo taken on Sept 20 shows a PV power station in Kubuqi desert. [Photo by Sun Wanming/chinadaily.com.cn]

Another initiative of harnessing the desert involves adopting photovoltaic (PV) technology. Elion has built a 110 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) installation in the Kubuqi desert.

The ecological PV generators are the company's creative attempt with the goal of sand curbing, farming, breeding, generating electricity and poverty relief.

The locals have installed PV generators to produce electricity, while the shade under the generators provides space for undergrowth. The grass growing under the generators can also be used to feed the livestock, such as sheep and chickens.

Local farmers and herdsmen are employed to maintain the panels by doing the farming and breeding work under the generator, as well as the cleaning of PV panels.

The ecological project has helped more than 1,000 locals shake off poverty, with their annual income increasing by 10,000 yuan.