The vast expanse of a thousand mu of rice fields thrives in lush greenery, with neatly aligned canal...
The vast expanse of a thousand mu of rice fields thrives in lush greenery, with neatly aligned canals and photovoltaic panels standing quietly under the sunlight. It is hard to imagine that just a few years ago, this area was divided into hundreds of small fragmented plots by crisscrossing ditches. Transforming ordinary farmland into high-quality, productive land through high-standard farmland construction has become a key driver of agricultural modernization and increased income for farmers.
As spring plowing season arrives, the fields of Miaozhuang Town in Ninghe District, Tianjin, buzz with the roar of heavy machinery. The Tianjin Ninghe District Miaozhuang Town New Era Rural Common Prosperity Demonstration Base (Phase I 200 MW) Photovoltaic Power Generation EPC Project, undertaken by China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group, has ignited a construction boom, presenting a scene of bustling activity.
The high-standard farmland demonstration zone project in Miaozhuang Town, Ninghe District, covers 8 main canals with a total length of approximately 30 kilometers and 279 branch canals spanning about 152 kilometers. The branch canals occupy a total area of 3,921 mu.
This project exemplifies an innovative model that integrates high-standard farmland construction, water system connectivity, and renewable energy development. By installing photovoltaic power generation systems on irrigation canals, the project avoids occupying arable land, preserves the canals’ irrigation functions, reduces water evaporation, and pioneers a sustainable approach. Upon completion, the project is expected to generate approximately 280,000 MWh of electricity annually, alleviating local power shortages. This output equates to saving 86,000 tons of standard coal per year while significantly reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, dust, and wastewater, as well as conserving water resources.
Once operational, the project will provide comprehensive solutions for improving agricultural ecosystems, including water resource allocation, irrigation canal expansion, irrigation area scaling, remote power supply, and surplus electricity utilization. It will also enhance the appearance and landscape of villages along surrounding roads, ensuring a holistic and visually cohesive outcome. Beyond boosting grain production capacity, fostering eco-friendly agriculture, and increasing farmers’ income, the project plays a vital role in advancing energy transition, mitigating energy crises, and improving ecological conditions. By transforming high-standard farmland into "stable and high-yield fields" that farmers are eager to cultivate, it sets a benchmark for rural revitalization.
Scheduled for full completion by the end of December 2025, the project will benefit approximately 18,000 residents across 30 natural villages in Miaozhuang Town. This initiative not only elevates agricultural productivity but also charts a sustainable path toward a greener and more prosperous future for rural communities.
Author: Yu Sumei
