The interest of SGCC, which has linked-up more than 50GW of wind capacity in China, was first reported by FT Deutschland, with DII later confirming the story.
Desertec aims to exploit the huge solar potential of North Africa, with major projects planned in countries such as Morocco and Tunisia.
The news comes less than two months after Mainstream Renewable Power confirmed that SGCC will play a role in the 5GW Energy Bridge project, which seeks to flow electricity generated at Irish wind farms onto the UK grid.
Separately,