While thousands of families gathered around fires to celebrate the New Year's Eve, on the vast grasslands, rows of wind turbines spun in the wind, transforming the biting cold into currents of electricity that lit up the holiday lights. At the Inner Mongolia Xiwu Wind Power O&M Project, a group of silently dedicated "wind power workers" — accompanied by the wind and making the towers their home — chose to remain on the front line. With responsibility and dedication, they safeguarded the stable output of clean energy, interpreting the spirit of dedication of a new generation of energy workers. Unhindered by Wind and Snow, Guarding the Front Line of Power Supply During the 2026 New Year's holiday, many regions across the country experienced cold snaps and rain and snow, increasing the pressure on grid peak regulation and making the task of power supply protection particularly arduous. The team fully implemented the holiday power supply protection plan, ensuring that the turbines "generated as much as possible and whenever possible." At the Xiwu Wind Farm, shift leader Li Xupeng closely monitored the control screens, keeping a real-time watch on the operating status of 40 wind turbines. "During the New Year's holiday, grid load fluctuates significantly, and peak regulation is tight. We must be on duty 24 hours a day to ensure the safe and stable operation of the equipment," he explained. Faced with blade icing caused by heavy snow, the station activated a nighttime special inspection mode, increasing the frequency of temperature measurements to fully meet the challenges of high-load operation.
The O&M personnel braved the wind and snow, moving between the tall towers to conduct equipment inspections and fault diagnosis. Despite the severe cold and snow, they never complained and strictly followed inspection procedures, ensuring that the turbines operated stably even in extreme weather. "As long as the lights are on in thousands of homes, our dedication is meaningful," one on-site O&M staff member said firmly. Youthful Strength, Interpreting a New Era of Striving Among these dedicated individuals, many are young faces born in the 1990s and even the 2000s. They have left the bustle of the city behind, rooted themselves in the deep mountains and high plateaus, and are writing their youth beneath the wind turbines. As on-site O&M staff member Zhang Zhexian put it, "We inherit the fearless spirit of our predecessors and guard the energy lifeline of the new era." They troubleshoot faults in the wind and snow, monitor data on cold nights, and perform repairs at great heights — every climb, every operation is a vivid illustration of "responsibility." Their dedication is not a series of heroic feats but the daily, ordinary commitment that forms the solid foundation behind the festive peace.
Warmth and Ritual in the Midst of Dedication They are not the protagonists in the spotlight, but they are the most solid support behind the holiday. They do not participate in family reunions, yet they make countless reunions possible. They speak no grand words, but their actions write the most moving chapters. The staff who spent the New Year at the wind farm, through teamwork and simple rituals in a challenging work environment, made their New Year's holiday both fulfilling and warm.
Rituals: Employees voluntarily worked extra hours to prepare ingredients and carefully prepared the New Year's Eve dinner, making dumplings, cooking their signature dishes, and performing talent shows to create a festive atmosphere. Around a simple dinner table, everyone enjoyed themselves, using laughter and joy to dispel homesickness. Teamwork and Warmth: New employees received special care. Colleagues guided them step by step, sharing their experience. The station staff sat together, sharing work stories and funny moments in their lives, forming bonds "closer than family." Although they couldn't go home for the holiday, knowing that their work ensured the safety of electricity for thousands of households filled their hearts with strength and pride. When a fault was resolved and the wind turbine began spinning again, everyone felt a deep sense of happiness. These young people born after 2000, with their professional skills, ensure the stable operation of the wind farm, bringing light to thousands of homes. Their spirit of sacrificing their own family gatherings for the greater good is the warmest guardianship behind the countless lights.