World Power Plants

Shisanling Pumped Storage Power Station800 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

The Shisanling Pumped Storage Power Station is a vital hydroelectric power generation facility located in China, specifically at coordinates 40.2556° N latitude and 116.2686° E longitude. With a significant capacity of 800 MW, this power plant plays a crucial role in the national energy mix, particularly in balancing supply and demand across the grid. As a pumped storage facility, Shisanling utilizes hydro technology to store and generate energy, making it an integral part of China's strategy for renewable energy deployment and grid stability. The technology employed here involves pumping water to an upper reservoir during periods of low energy demand and releasing it to generate electricity during peak demand, effectively acting as a large-scale battery. In terms of operational context, the Shisanling Pumped Storage Power Station contributes to the reliability of the local electricity grid, which is increasingly essential as China continues to expand its energy infrastructure to accommodate its growing population and industrial needs. The Chinese government has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing its renewable energy capabilities and integrating them into the national grid, and facilities like Shisanling are pivotal in achieving these goals. The plant not only supports renewable energy utilization but also helps mitigate the intermittency associated with other renewable sources such as wind and solar power. As such, the Shisanling Pumped Storage Power Station stands as a testament to the advancements in hydro technology and reflects China's commitment to a sustainable energy future.

Capacity
800 MW
Commissioning Year
1999

27 years old

Owner
China Yangtze Power
Location
40.2556°, 116.2686°

China, Asia

Context & rankings
  • 601. largest of 4,431 plants in China
  • #3,010 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #469 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.05% of the installed capacity of China
Age & fleet comparison

27 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

China Yangtze Power operates 85 plants totalling 40,890 MW

Regional density

35 plants within 100 km, 13,460 MW combined

Nearest plant: Shisanling (1.9 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wikidata

Location

Coordinates:: 40.255556, 116.268611
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Shisanling Pumped Storage Power Station is a hydro power plant producing approximately 2803 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 Shisanling Pumped Storage Power Station in China

The Shisanling Pumped Storage Power Station is a significant hydroelectric facility located in China, with a total installed capacity of 800 megawatts (MW). This power plant plays a crucial role in the country's energy sector, particularly in terms of energy storage and grid stability. As one of the key components of China's renewable energy infrastructure, Shisanling contributes to the efficient management of electricity demand and supply, especially during peak usage times.

Pumped storage hydropower is a unique and effective method of generating electricity, which involves the movement of water between two reservoirs situated 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, storing gravitational potential energy. When energy demand is high, the stored water is released back to the lower reservoir through turbines, generating electricity in the process. This cyclical operation allows for rapid response to fluctuations in energy demand, making pumped storage power stations an essential tool for balancing the grid, especially as renewable energy sources like wind and solar become more prevalent.

The Shisanling facility operates on hydroelectric power, utilizing the natural flow of water to generate electricity. Hydro energy is considered one of the cleanest forms of energy, producing no direct emissions of greenhouse gases during operation. However, the construction and operation of such facilities can have localized environmental impacts, such as alterations to aquatic ecosystems, changes in land use, and potential displacement of communities. Nonetheless, the overall contribution of hydroelectric power to reducing carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels is significant, aligning with China's goals to increase its renewable energy share in the national energy mix.

Regionally, the Shisanling Pumped Storage Power Station holds considerable significance. It not only supports the local economy through job creation and infrastructure development but also enhances energy security for the surrounding areas. As China continues to expand its energy infrastructure to meet rising demand, pumped storage facilities like Shisanling are increasingly important for ensuring the reliability of the electrical grid. The site also serves as a model for similar projects across the nation, demonstrating the viability of hydroelectric power as a sustainable energy source.

In conclusion, the Shisanling Pumped Storage Power Station exemplifies the integration of advanced hydropower technologies within China's broader energy strategy. With its ability to provide flexible energy solutions and support the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape, this facility represents a vital asset in the pursuit of a greener future.

ChinaEnergy Profile

4,431
Total Plants
1617.1 GW
Total Capacity
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