Xilongchi Pumped Storage Power Station— 1,200 MW Hydroelectric
The Xilongchi Pumped Storage Power Station in China is a vital hydroelectric power generation facility with a significant capacity of 1200 MW. Situated at coordinates 38.5368° N and 113.2720° E, this power plant is strategically located to support the energy demands of the region. As a pumped storage facility, Xilongchi employs advanced hydroelectric technology that facilitates efficient energy storage and generation, making it an essential player in China's energy mix, particularly as the country transitions towards more renewable energy sources. The importance of this power station is underscored by its ability to provide reliable electricity during peak demand periods while simultaneously supporting the integration of renewable energy into the grid. China's energy policy increasingly emphasizes sustainability and the reduction of carbon emissions, and the Xilongchi Pumped Storage Power Station aligns perfectly with these goals. By harnessing the power of water, this facility contributes not only to energy generation but also to the stability of the local and national grids, thus playing a crucial role in the ongoing development of China's energy infrastructure. As the demand for electricity continues to rise, the Xilongchi Pumped Storage Power Station stands as a model of how hydroelectric technology can be leveraged to meet future energy needs.
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 Huadian Corporation operates 76 plants totalling 28,754 MW
32 plants within 100 km, 13,987 MW combined
Source: Wikidata
Location
Zero Direct Emissions
Xilongchi 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
Xilongchi Pumped Storage Power Station: A Key Hydro Power Facility in China
The Xilongchi Pumped Storage Power Station is a significant hydroelectric facility located in China, with a total capacity of 1200 megawatts (MW). As a pumped storage power station, it plays a crucial role in balancing the national grid, providing a reliable source of energy during peak demand periods, and enhancing the stability of the electricity supply. This facility exemplifies China's commitment to integrating renewable energy sources into its energy portfolio and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Pumped storage technology utilizes two reservoirs at different elevations to store energy in the form of gravitational potential energy. 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 rises, the stored water is released back down to the lower reservoir, passing through turbines that generate electricity. This reversible process allows the Xilongchi Power Station to respond quickly to fluctuations in energy demand, making it a vital asset in the management of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, which can be intermittent.
The Xilongchi Pumped Storage Power Station contributes to China's broader energy transition efforts, which aim to increase the share of renewable energy in the country's energy mix. As hydroelectric power is a clean source of energy, the operation of this power plant minimizes greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based power generation. Additionally, the facility's ability to store and dispatch energy efficiently helps to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with energy production, such as air pollution and water contamination.
In terms of environmental impact, while the construction and operation of hydroelectric power stations can disrupt local ecosystems and may lead to changes in water quality and flow patterns, pumped storage power stations like Xilongchi are generally seen as more environmentally friendly compared to traditional thermal power plants. By providing a mechanism for energy storage, they enable a greater integration of renewable energy sources, thus contributing to the reduction of carbon footprints associated with energy consumption.
Regionally, the Xilongchi Pumped Storage Power Station holds significant importance in supporting the local economy and infrastructure. By providing reliable electric power, it fosters industrial growth and improves the quality of life for residents in the surrounding areas. Furthermore, it enhances energy security by diversifying the energy supply and providing a buffer against potential outages and fluctuations in electricity supply. As China continues to invest in renewable energy and grid modernization, the role of facilities like the Xilongchi Pumped Storage Power Station will be increasingly vital in ensuring a sustainable and resilient energy future.
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