On February 18, China Solar Thermal Alliance (hereinafter referred to as CSTA) held the award ceremony of the CSP Stations in Autumn Photography Competition online. Dr. Wang Zhifeng, Chairman of CSTA and a researcher at the Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Gan Xue, a lecturer in the Sculpture Department of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, as well as industry experts and photography enthusiasts, all participated in the event.
Appreciation of the Winning CSP Stations Photography Works
As a representative of the judges, Teacher Gan Xue was invited to comment on the winning works one by one.
Grand Prize: Wings of Light
Author: Huang Wenbo, Shouhang High-tech Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
Commentary: Among all the works, "Wings of Light" stood out. The judges unanimously agreed that the work has a strong expressive power. This piece captures the Shouhang Dunhuang solar thermal tower power plant. The author used a fisheye lens to transform the ground mirror field into a wing-like form through a unique perspective, creating an abstract and deformed aesthetic. The entire image is powerful in both form and color.
First Prize: Solar Umbrella
Author: Wei Jushan, Public Security Bureau of the 13th Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps
Commentary: During the review, the judges found this work very beautiful. The author captured the light and color well, showing the light beams from all the mirrors converging at the tower's tip, forming a large umbrella of light. The work not only fits our impression of solar technology but also has strong artistic expression. Additionally, the umbrella of light has a good symbolic meaning, representing nature's protection of humans and humans' utilization of nature.
First Prize: Light of New Energy
Author: Wei Jushan, Public Security Bureau of the 13th Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps
Commentary: The author captured the light at the top of the tower, which resembles a symmetrical broom shape. Compared to the previous work, the composition is more subtle. Abstractly, the circular lines, the distant horizon, and the arrangement of the wind turbines in the background complement each other, with all focal points converging on the central glowing spot of the receiver tower. The expression of light and color is also very beautiful.
Second Prize: Green Hope in the Desert
Author: Zhu Xuepeng, Northwest Engineering Corporation Limited
Commentary: This work features the Three Gorges Energy Solar Thermal Power Station. The author beautifully captured the overall circular mirror array under the sunset. The composition makes the mirror array look like a deep lake, reflecting the sunset's glow, with the sun perfectly positioned at the tower's tip. It not only reflects solar thermal technology but also has strong artistic value, fitting the autumn theme.
Second Prize: Dusk Reflection
Author: Xie Shouchen, HeLi (Qinghai) Operation and Maintenance Technology Co., Ltd.
Commentary:This work captures the heliostats at a unique angle. Under the light and beautiful sunset glow, each mirror surface looks like a piece of ink wash painting, a moment where nature and technology, science and art blend together.
Second Prize: A Lonely Cloud
Author: Xu Weiqi, China Energy Engineering Group Central. China Electric Power Test and Research Institute Co., Ltd.
Commentary: The subject of this work is the heliostat field of a solar thermal tower power plant. The cloud resembles the shape of a fish, and the mirror field below looks like fish scales, creating a very poetic scene. The title "A Lonely Cloud" reflects the author's sentiment of being far from home and building CSP stations in the Gobi desert. By capturing the moment when a cloud drifts by, nature and the author's emotions are perfectly integrated, embodying a sense of unity between heaven and humanity. The author used the camera to capture the distant mountains with a low horizon and a high, empty sky, emphasizing the feeling of loneliness in this scene. It also reflects the dedication of CSP station workers in the Gobi desert.
Third Prize: Eye of the Sun
Author: Huang Wenbo, Shouhang High-tech Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
Commentary:The theme of this work is very clear, with a simple modern abstract beauty. It also reflects the circular layout of the mirror field, with the receiver tower in the center resembling an eye gazing at the sky from the ground, symbolizing the combination of human wisdom and energy resources.
Third Prize: Phantom
Author: Liu Xingyan, Yumen New Energy Co., Ltd.
Commentary:This work captures the Yumen molten salt linear Fresnel solar thermal energy storage project, which is the largest in the world in terms of installed capacity and is part of the first batch of large-scale wind-solar integrated projects in desert and wasteland areas in China. The photographer first expressed the unique light beauty that can only be conveyed by CSP technology in terms of tone and captured the beauty of the lines. The left side of the photo uses exposure to create a blurred and dreamy building, giving a sense of time travel. The work presents another scenario with a sci-fi feel.
Third Prize: Green Halo
Author: Huang Wenbo, Shouhang High-tech Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
Commentary:This work well expresses the broad prospects of CSP technology—huge circular mirrors. The composition, captured by a drone, shows the panoramic view of the circular array. The horizon is slightly tilted to the upper left, with a wisp of clouds drifting to the upper right, creating a balanced composition. Additionally, the clean energy represented by the green halo is well-expressed, with a clean and vast image that gives a sense of the future power of new energy.
Third Prize: Autumn Dusk Station
Author: Liang Yurui, Cosin Solar Technology Co., Ltd.
Commentary:This work is unique and worth encouraging. Unlike other works that capture large scenes from a bird's-eye view, this one has a low perspective, showing the technology site and nature from a human point of view, giving a sense of warmth. The autumn sunset and the tone make us feel that this is the daily sunset seen by the on-site workers, with the sunset and heliostats intersecting at a moment with artistic expression.
Event Notice:
To continue showcasing the unique charm of CSP plants, the CSTA has launched the "Green Energy, Spring Charm" themed spring photography competition for CSP plants. We invite you to capture the natural scenery, technological beauty, and humanistic care of CSP plants in spring through your lens. For more information about the competition, please visit:
http://en.cnste.org/html/conference/2025/0223/1903.html
