Xinjiang is one of the most important resource treasure houses and energy bases in China. How to construct a clean energy system under the guidance of carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals is related to national energy security. In this paper, we summarize reserves and distribution of main energy sources in Xinjiang, comb the current situation of energy production and consumption, analyze main problems faced by energy transition, and put forward pathways towards a cleaner energy system with relevant countermeasures and suggestions. It is shown that: (1) Fossil energy accounts for more than 85% in the existing energy system of Xinjiang, making the carbon emission reduction task arduous. (2) Wind and solar curtailments are an acute problem of Xinjiang at present, and the electricity curtailment rate is higher than the national average. (3) To promote the green transformation of Xinjiang's energy system, we must lower the growth rate of coal consumption, accelerate the construction of hydro-solar-wind-storage integrated power system, expand the channel of "Xinjiang's power transmission", advance the course of "electrified Xinjiang", and develop CCUS and new energy storage technologies. These findings can provide reference for Xinjiang to achieve the carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.