China's largest solar power station has begun operation in the northwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The 150 kilowatt station, located in the Beitashan Live stock Farm of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, cost 120 million yuan (14.5 million US dollars) and covers about 3,000 square meters.

The power station can help provide electricity for more than 10,000 local farmers and peasants.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2003)