Kubuqi Desert, China’s seventh largest desert, was once rich with grasslands and forest. But due to changes in climate and overgrazing, the landscape succumbed to desertification. The Chinese government adopted public-private partnerships to address the crisis, including the introduction of alternative energy projects in the desert’s more barren areas. The new solar power station infrastructure not only generates billions of kilowatt hours of electricity, but also primes the landscape for vegetative growth by providing shade and resistance to harsh winds. These new conditions could open the possibility of farming cash crops suitable to the desert climate. The project will also decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 1.9 million tons and prevent the dispersal of 74 tons of dust per year. 

By using intelligent infrastructure design, the team was able to provide a more accurate estimate of building materials and optimize the design to stand up to environmental loads. Access this case study to understand how to bring these best practices to your organization.