Solar power project soaks up sunrays in Inner Mongolia

Undertaking producing array of benefits from holding back desert to generating agricultural income

Editor's note: As protection of the planet's flora, fauna and resources becomes increasingly important, China Daily is publishing a series of stories to illustrate the country's commitment to safeguarding the natural world.

Under an intense azure sky, the relentless sunrays scorch without mercy. Sweat pours only to evaporate in an instant. Despite crawling along, vehicles are followed by a long tail of dust kicked up from unpaved roads.

Welcome to Otog Front Banner in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, a 12,200 square-kilometer county-level area where evaporation outweighs precipitation.