Huanggou Pumped Storage Power Station— 1,200 MW Hydroelectric
The Huanggou Pumped Storage Power Station is a significant hydroelectric power generation facility located in China, specifically at the coordinates 45.3431° N latitude and 129.7010° E longitude. With a robust capacity of 1200 MW, this power plant plays a crucial role in balancing supply and demand within the regional energy grid. As a pumped storage hydro facility, it utilizes a two-reservoir system to store excess energy and release it during peak demand times, thus enhancing the reliability and stability of the electricity supply. Hydro power generation is particularly vital in China, where it contributes to the national strategy of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy sources. The operational context of the Huanggou facility aligns with China’s commitment to increase its renewable energy capacity, as the country continues to lead in hydropower generation globally. The local grid benefits significantly from the plant's ability to quickly ramp up production, providing essential support during high consumption periods. Given its strategic location, the Huanggou Pumped Storage Power Station is integral to the Northeast China grid, contributing to the overall efficiency of energy distribution and the integration of renewable energy sources. The technology employed in this facility ensures that it can effectively harness the natural flow of water to generate electricity while also allowing for energy storage, making it a key player in modern energy management. As China continually invests in energy infrastructure, the Huanggou Pumped Storage Power Station exemplifies the critical role of hydroelectric power in achieving a sustainable energy future.
1.20 GW
16 years old
China, Asia
- 399. largest of 4,431 plants in China
- #1,870 worldwide by installed capacity
- #241 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
- 0.07% of the installed capacity of China
16 years in operation
Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years
China Yangtze Power operates 85 plants totalling 40,890 MW
15 plants within 100 km, 3,238 MW combined
Source: Wikidata
Location
Zero Direct Emissions
Huanggou Pumped Storage Power Station is a hydro power plant producing approximately 4205 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
Huanggou Pumped Storage Power Station: A Key Player in China's Renewable Energy Landscape
The Huanggou Pumped Storage Power Station, located in China, is a significant hydroelectric facility with a total installed capacity of 1200 megawatts (MW). As a pumped storage power station, it plays a crucial role in balancing electricity supply and demand, particularly in peak load management. This facility exemplifies China's efforts to integrate renewable energy sources into its national grid, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security.
Pumped storage hydroelectricity is a unique technology that utilizes two water reservoirs located at different elevations. During periods of low electricity demand, excess energy from the grid is used to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir. When demand peaks, the stored water is released back to the lower reservoir, passing through turbines that generate electricity. This process allows for the rapid adjustment of power output, making pumped storage a valuable asset for grid stability, especially as China increasingly incorporates variable renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
In terms of environmental impact, the Huanggou Pumped Storage Power Station is generally considered to be more sustainable than fossil fuel power plants. Hydro power, as a renewable energy source, produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions during operation. However, the construction and operation of large hydroelectric facilities can lead to significant ecological changes, including habitat disruption and changes in local water quality. Efforts are typically made to mitigate these impacts through careful planning and environmental assessments, which are essential for preserving the surrounding ecosystems.
Regionally, the Huanggou Pumped Storage Power Station holds strategic importance as it supports the electrical grid in areas experiencing rapid industrial growth and urbanization. The station enhances the reliability of power supply in the region, which is vital for both residential consumers and local industries. By providing a mechanism for energy storage and release, it also facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, addressing challenges associated with intermittency.
In summary, the Huanggou Pumped Storage Power Station represents a significant advancement in China's energy sector, contributing to the country's goal of achieving a cleaner energy mix. Its ability to store and dispatch power effectively positions it as a cornerstone in the transition toward a more sustainable energy future, while also catering to the growing energy demands in its region.
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