Ordos Explores Integrated Development of Coal and New Energy

Edited and Updated by Ethan Ma
June 25, 2025

Ordos is one of China's major energy resource hubs, with several national-level industrial designations. It is home to 14 major coal bases, 9 large coal-fired power bases, 5 coal-to-oil and gas bases, and 4 modern coal chemical bases. It also serves as a key source area for the West-to-East Gas Transmission project. With over 250 billion tons of coal reserves—about one-sixth of the national total—Ordos produces over 2 million tons of coal daily, supplying 25 provinces, and playing a key role in national energy security.

The city is accelerating intelligent upgrades in coal mining to enhance safety and efficiency. As of now, Inner Mongolia has 209 intelligent coal mines, 148 of which are in Ordos—accounting for 70% of the regional total. Ordos' intelligent coal production capacity stands at 700 million tons per year, about two-thirds of the regional capacity.

In addition to mining, Ordos is expanding its coal value chain through deep processing. It has developed a full industrial chain covering coal-to-liquid, coal-to-gas, and coal-based new materials.

Significant progress is also being made in the new energy sector. In 2024, the city's zero-carbon industrial park generated over RMB 20 billion in new energy output, doubling year-on-year. New energy exports reached RMB 3.9 billion, up 63%. The city's focus is shifting from isolated projects to an integrated regional system.

Favorable geography and climate support this development. With around 3,000 hours of annual sunshine and strong wind resources, Ordos has a technical potential of 140 GW in wind and solar—equal to 6.2 Three Gorges Dams. In 2024 alone, the city added over 10 GW of new energy capacity, bringing the total to 21.24 GW, or nearly one-sixth of Inner Mongolia’s total.

The sector’s growth is now visibly driving the local economy. In 2024, Ordos' new energy equipment manufacturing value grew by 261.3% year-on-year, contributing 107.7% to overall manufacturing growth and boosting large-scale industrial output by 2.2 percentage points. The city plans to add another 10 GW of new energy capacity in 2025, advancing toward larger and more integrated industrial clusters.

Ordos is actively exploring a development path that balances energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic efficiency. Its experience offers valuable insights for other resource-based regions seeking industrial transformation.

CCTD China Coal Market Network is one of the most trusted coal industry think tanks in China, providing exclusive and extensive data coverage.