China |
China’s hydropower expansion gains momentum
As China advances its ambitious clean energy targets, a wave of new hydropower projects is reshaping the nation’s energy landscape. From pumped storage stations to major river dam developments, these projects promise enhanced grid stability, renewable energy integration, and ecological benefits
CHINA IS MAKING SIGNIFICANT strides in hydropower development, with several major projects reaching critical milestones. As of 2025, China’s hydropower capacity continues to expand, supporting national energy security, renewable integration, and regional economic growth. Leading companies and state-owned enterprises have taken the helm, pushing forward large-scale developments across multiple provinces. On March 18, CHN Energy marked a major
milestone as all 24 unit gates at the Dadu River Zhentouba Second Stage Hydropower Station and the Shaping First Stage Hydropower Station were successfully closed. Located in Sichuan Province, these two stations, with a combined installed capacity of 660,000 kilowatts, are key to Sichuan’s 14th Five-Year Plan. These gates serve a crucial role in blocking water
to facilitate equipment installation and maintenance, ensuring that the stations can move towards full operational status. With meticulous coordination of civil construction and electromechanical installation, the first generating units are set for commissioning in
2025, with full operational capacity expected by 2026. By the end of 2024, CHN Energy had installed over 20 million kilowatts of hydropower capacity nationwide, maintaining its position in China’s hydropower sector. With 8.24 million kilowatts of conventional hydropower still under construction, CHN Energy says it remains at the forefront of the nation’s renewable energy expansion.
Contract wins Another significant player in China’s hydropower
expansion, the Eighth Hydropower Bureau, recently secured contracts for three major projects: the Huoshan Pumped Storage Power Station in Anhui, the Guxian Hydropower Project on the Yellow River, and the Yulin Pumped Storage Power Station in Guangxi. The 1,200MW Huoshan Pumped Storage Power Station is a critical energy storage project that will help regulate power supply fluctuations in East China. The construction will include ventilation and safety caverns, factory access tunnels, wastewater treatment systems, and sand and gravel processing
Right: Construction of the Zhentouba Second Stage Hydropower Station
38 | April 2025 |
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