World Power Plants

Bailianhe Pumped Storage Power Station1,224 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

The Bailianhe Pumped Storage Power Station is a significant hydroelectric power generation facility located in China, with geographical coordinates at 30.6027° N latitude and 115.4475° E longitude. This power plant plays a crucial role in the national energy mix by providing 1224 MW capacity of renewable energy, harnessed through innovative pumped storage technology. As a pumped storage hydro facility, it enables the efficient management of energy supply and demand, acting as a large-scale battery that stores energy during low demand periods and releases it during peak demands. The Bailianhe facility is integral to stabilizing the grid in its region, ensuring that energy distribution remains reliable and efficient. Situated in a region where hydroelectric power is abundant, the Bailianhe Pumped Storage Power Station contributes significantly to China’s commitment to increasing the share of renewable energy in its overall energy portfolio. This facility not only enhances grid reliability but also supports the country's transition towards greener energy sources, in alignment with national energy policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The technology employed at Bailianhe allows for rapid response to fluctuations in energy demand, making it an essential asset for energy generation in China. As the demand for electricity continues to rise, particularly in urban areas, the ability to store and dispatch energy efficiently will be critical. The operational context of the Bailianhe facility reflects China's broader strategy to integrate more renewable energy while maintaining grid stability. By utilizing the natural topography of the region, the Bailianhe Pumped Storage Power Station exemplifies the advantages of hydropower technology, which is characterized by its low operating costs and minimal environmental footprint compared to fossil fuels. The facility is operated by a dedicated team focused on maximizing output while adhering to stringent environmental standards. With its substantial capacity and innovative technology, Bailianhe serves as a beacon of modern energy generation in China, highlighting the country's leadership in renewable energy initiatives.

Capacity
1,224 MW

1.22 GW

Commissioning Year
2000

26 years old

Owner
China Yangtze Power
Location
30.6027°, 115.4475°

China, Asia

Context & rankings
  • 390. largest of 4,431 plants in China
  • #1,829 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #232 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.08% of the installed capacity of China
Age & fleet comparison

26 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

China Yangtze Power operates 85 plants totalling 40,890 MW

Regional density

21 plants within 100 km, 11,401 MW combined

Nearest plant: Bailianhe (1.4 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wikidata

Location

Coordinates:: 30.602670, 115.447478
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Bailianhe Pumped Storage Power Station is a hydro power plant producing approximately 4289 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
China
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

Overview of Bailianhe Pumped Storage Power Station in China

The Bailianhe Pumped Storage Power Station, located in China, is a significant facility in the nation's energy sector, boasting a total capacity of 1,224 megawatts (MW). This hydroelectric power station utilizes a pumped storage system, which is a highly effective method for managing energy supply and demand. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing the electric grid, particularly in accommodating the fluctuations inherent in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. As China continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio, facilities like Bailianhe are becoming increasingly important for ensuring a reliable and balanced energy supply.

The Bailianhe Power Station employs hydroelectric technology, which harnesses the potential energy of water stored at elevation. During periods of low electricity demand, excess energy from the grid is used to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. When demand increases, the stored water is released back down through turbines, generating electricity. This dual capability allows for quick response to changes in energy demand, making pumped storage a vital technology for grid management, especially in a country that is rapidly integrating more intermittent renewable energy sources.

From an environmental perspective, the Bailianhe Pumped Storage Power Station presents various impacts. On one hand, hydroelectric power generation contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel power plants, thus aiding China's goals for carbon neutrality and sustainable development. However, the construction and operation of such facilities can lead to ecological disruptions, including alterations to local waterways, potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems, and land use changes. It is essential for projects like Bailianhe to implement effective environmental management strategies that mitigate these impacts while maximizing the benefits of clean energy production.

Regionally, the Bailianhe Power Station holds significant importance in its contribution to local and national energy needs. It serves as a key component in the grid infrastructure, aiding regions that experience high energy demands, especially during peak usage times. The ability to store and dispatch energy on demand not only enhances energy security but also supports economic growth in the surrounding areas by providing a stable power supply for industries and residential users alike. As China moves forward in its energy transition, the Bailianhe Pumped Storage Power Station stands out as a vital asset in the quest for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

ChinaEnergy Profile

4,431
Total Plants
1617.1 GW
Total Capacity
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