**Interviewing Innovations in Xinjiang: Building a Harmonious Community**

**By: Wu Yefan, Li He, Liang Le, Wang Yuhan, Liu Shu**

Imagine a world where carbon dioxide is transformed into fertilizers for plant growth, green mugwort thrives in desert landscapes, and mushroom fibers replace traditional silk. These remarkable transformations are being realized in Xinjiang, where innovation is paving the way for sustainable development.

In the fall of this year, a team from the Science and Technology Daily embarked on a journey across the vast expanse of Xinjiang, capturing a narrative that celebrates a new harmony between humanity and nature. Over the span of just ten days, we witnessed countless changes from east to west, and from south to north—all made possible through technological advancements driving green development initiatives.

**Turning Waste into Wealth: Leading Low-Carbon Energy Innovations**

During our visit, we found ourselves in a unique greenhouse near Yili, where tropical fruits such as bananas and guavas are thriving against all odds. This facility, established by Xinjiang Qinghua Energy Group in partnership with various organizations, is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while utilizing carbon dioxide generated during synthetic natural gas production.

“In our carbon reduction laboratory, carbon dioxide produced from natural gas synthesis is channeled into our greenhouse, serving as nutrients for crops like bananas and tomatoes,” explained Yin Wenyue, deputy manager at Xinjiang Qinghua. “We’re also cultivating microalgae, which can be transformed into biodiesel or used to improve saline-alkali soil quality.”

Yin elaborated, “We employ not only biological methods but also physical and chemical techniques to convert CO2 into useful products. For instance, liquefying CO2 falls under physical processes, while methanol production utilizes chemical processes.”

The laboratory’s innovative approach symbolizes how regions once deemed unproductive can be transformed into economic powerhouses with the help of technology.

Continuing our tour, we arrived at a solar power station in Shihezi City, where lush mugwort provides a striking contrast against the arid backdrop of the desert. Despite being on the edge of a desert, the area has optimal sunlight conditions. The recent launch of a 3 GW solar project here ensures the generation of approximately 1.5 billion kWh of clean energy annually, which equates to the reduction of greenhouse gases equivalent to the combustion of 500,000 tons of coal.

The synergy between solar panels and plant growth is evident; the temperature variations cause condensation on the panels that nurtures the soil below. By strategically elevating the solar arrays, the project fosters an environment conducive to the mechanized farming of valuable crops such as mugwort and seabuckthorn, thus creating economic opportunities for the local community.

**From Grass to Gold: Revitalizing the Ecological Economy**

In the southern region of the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, we encountered the Tarim River flowing alongside vast stretches of the Taklamakan Desert, where wild robinia plants spread across approximately 1.6 million acres.

“Robinia doesn’t compete with grain for water or land—it’s like a ‘green scarf’ securing the desert and promoting the retreat of sand,” shared Jiang Li, deputy mayor of Weili County. The resilient nature of robinia, along with its potential for economic benefits, makes it an integral part of local ecological strategies.

“We aim to restore over a million acres of robinia to support its growing industry,” Jiang emphasized. The cultivation process—from spring planting to winter harvesting—has provided employment for more than 8,000 people in the region, significantly contributing to their income.

As we ventured further, we visited Xinjiang Tianlu New Materials Technology Co., where rolls of regenerated cellulose fibers were neatly arranged, showcasing a product made from mushroom fibers. According to General Manager Zhang Jiming, these fibers are not only eco-friendly but also possess antibacterial properties, revolutionizing the textile industry.

“This project, once fully realized, will create 2,000 jobs and increase the income levels of local workers,” Zhang stated, noting that salaries could jump from 2,000-3,000 yuan to about 5,000-6,000 yuan monthly.

The story of Maireyam Tursun and her husband, who are both employed at Xinjiang Tianlu, exemplifies this change. “We’ve already bought a house and are planning to purchase a car,” she shared, highlighting the bright prospects ahead.

This innovative path towards ecological prosperity reflects the vibrant transformation of Xinjiang’s economy and a commitment to sustainable living.