Gansu
#2 GDP growth nationally (6%, Q1-Q3 2024); 52B+ kWh transmitted annually (~50% renewable); 90%+ of China's nickel; Hexi Corridor energy transformation.
Gansu's GDP hit 912.63 billion yuan in Q1-Q3 2024 (+6%), ranking #2 nationally in growth and exceeding the national average for 11 consecutive quarters. The Hexi Corridor—ancient Silk Road leg—now hosts ultra-high voltage lines, wind turbines, and solar panels symbolizing renewable transformation. The province transmits 52+ billion kWh annually to 25 regions, nearly half from renewables. Gansu ranks #5 in wind energy and is a major solar base. Coal production grew double-digits for 12 months; crude oil exceeded 1 million tons for 5 months; natural gas hit records. Gold production increased 1.4x; copper and nickel grew rapidly. Gansu holds 90%+ of China's nickel reserves. Hydroelectricity from Liujiaxia Gorge supplements power. Five pillar industries: renewable energy, coal, chemicals, nonferrous metals, and pharma/services. Strategic geography attracts investment in emerging sectors.