Green Power Direct Connection Reaches Textile Parks: The Logic Behind Xinjiang's 490MW Project

A 490 MW wind-storage integrated project has been approved that connects wind farm output directly to textile workshop switchgear—a power supply model previously reserved for green computing and polysilicon industries is now extending to textiles for the first time. The green power direct connection project at the Zhongli Youfang Textile Industrial Park in Habahe County, Xinjiang, signals that the textile sector is beginning to enjoy policy benefits on the energy front comparable to those of high-tech industries.

Background

The project, led by Xinjiang Zhongli Youfang Textile Technology Co., Ltd., plans a total wind power installed capacity of 490 MW, to be developed in two phases. It will adopt a dedicated grid-line direct connection model, transmitting green electricity from wind turbines and storage systems directly to the textile park. The so-called "direct connection" is not merely physical wiring but operates through an integrated source-grid-load-storage system, forming a closed loop that prioritizes production energy use, reduces dependence on the main grid, and cuts transmission losses.

Policy groundwork was laid earlier. Since 2026, Xinjiang has issued notices on accelerating local consumption of new energy and on promoting effective investment and utilization of new energy, establishing a "load-based siting" approach. Projects are rolled out in batches under the principle of "one mature, one advance." To date, direct connection projects across Xinjiang have covered green computing, polysilicon, coal chemicals, green hydrogen, oil and gas, and chemicals; textiles is the seventh traditional advantageous industry to join.

Industrial Impact

For textile companies, the most immediate value of green power direct connection lies in reducing electricity costs. Textiles is an energy-intensive industry, with electricity typically accounting for more than 10% of production costs. In Xinjiang, a major long-staple cotton producing region, local processing benefits from raw material advantages, but energy costs have long been higher than in eastern coastal areas. Direct connection eliminates various transmission and distribution charges, and combined with the marginal cost advantage of wind power, enterprises in the park are expected to obtain lower electricity tariffs than those on the main grid, directly improving product cost-effectiveness.

A deeper impact is on international trade. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has entered its transitional implementation phase; textile exports that cannot prove the use of green electricity will face additional carbon costs. Previously, companies had to purchase green certificates or participate in green power trading, which was cumbersome and costly. Now, park-level direct supply effectively labels products as "green-made," providing substantive support for overcoming green trade barriers. For local enterprises in Habahe targeting Central Asian and European markets, this advantage could translate into order prioritization.

The project's location in a border county carries special regional significance. Habahe County, in the Altay Prefecture, has abundant wind resources but a weak industrial base. The 490 MW wind farm construction will generate jobs in installation, operation, and maintenance, while stable green power supply may attract more downstream processing enterprises, forming a "wind power-textiles-apparel" industrial chain extension. This model of trading energy for industry and attracting investment through green power offers a replicable template for other wind-rich but manufacturing-poor counties.

Practical Recommendations

For Buyers - Monitor the capacity release pace of green power direct connection parks in Xinjiang, prioritizing orders with suppliers already connected to green electricity to reduce scope 3 emissions. - Include "green power usage proof" requirements in contracts, asking suppliers to provide direct connection project power purchase agreements or relevant certificates for export carbon accounting. - Compare quotes between green power direct connection parks and conventional parks; if the price difference exceeds 5%, consider adjusting procurement layout and locking in long-term agreements.

For Trading Companies - Leverage the low-carbon attributes of Xinjiang's green power direct connection parks to re-evaluate the carbon footprint of exported products, preparing compliance documents for EU, Japanese, and South Korean markets. - Track the implementation of similar projects in northern and southern Xinjiang, engaging with park management early to obtain proof of green power supply capacity. - Assess the feasibility of setting up production capacity or cooperative processing points in border parks like Habahe, using green power advantages to hedge against future carbon tariff costs.