Two departments: Encourage the intensive and compound utilization of space in the development of wind power projects, with priority given to layouts in deserts, Gobi, and other areas.

The State Forestry and Grassland Administration and the National Energy Administration issued a notice on supporting the standardized use of forest and grassland for wind power development and construction, proposing to support and guide the scientific layout of wind power projects. The forestry and grassland authorities at all levels should coordinate with the development and reform, natural resources, and energy authorities at the same level to connect the national land space planning, forestry and grassland related planning, wind power development planning, and wind power resource survey work. They should provide early guidance on site selection for projects, promote site selection that complies with legal requirements and policies, encourage the intensive and compound use of development space for wind power projects, and give priority to layout in deserts, Gobi, and desert areas. Wind power projects must not be newly built or expanded in ecologically protected red lines, natural reserves, important wetlands, or key state-owned forest areas. Outside of these restricted areas, support the development, construction, and regulated use of forest and grassland for wind power projects. For areas where wind turbine foundations, construction and maintenance roads, substations, collector lines, etc., need to use forest and grassland, the following areas should be avoided: coniferous forest areas in national public welfare forests, coniferous forest areas in regions with annual precipitation below 400 millimeters, and important grasslands, wild animal habitats, and other areas where wildlife congregates. If it is really necessary to occupy important wild animal habitats and other areas where wildlife congregates, a strict assessment should be conducted and measures such as building wildlife corridors should be taken to eliminate or reduce adverse impacts. For nationally significant projects where it is truly impossible to avoid, basic grasslands may be occupied.