The world’s largest hybrid pumped-storage power project in China has achieved significant milestones ahead of continued construction. The power station is located on the Western Sichuan Plateau at an altitude of 3,000 meters. The station is known as the Lianghekou hybrid pumped storage project. Earlier this week, it achieved two major construction milestones, with one being the completion of excavation on the underground powerhouse.

On the other hand, concrete pouring commenced for the downstream reservoir. It uses the Lianghekou Reservoir, Sichuan’s largest super reservoir, as the upper reservoir. Conversely, the Yagen Level-1 hydropower station reservoir is also used as the lower reservoir. The plant is equipped with four reversible units of 300 megawatts each. Operating jointly with the 3,000-MW conventional units of the Lianghekou project, the total installed capacity will also reach 4.2 gigawatts.

Scope of Implementation on the World’s Largest Hybrid Pumped-storage Project

The world’s largest hybrid pumped-storage project in China is expected to be of immense significance. Once fully operational, the facility will provide natural runoff power generation. Furthermore, it will also provide bidirectional regulation through pumped storage. The underground powerhouse, described as the project’s “power heart,” is the core hub of the entire development.

It is buried approximately 500 meters beneath the mountain. Moreover, it stretches nearly 200 meters in length, and also stands 60 meters high, and reaches a maximum burial depth of 650 meters. The high-altitude project, already dubbed the “super power bank” is also rapidly advancing. Its completion is expected to play a fundamental role in strengthening clean energy supply security across China.

Furthermore, it is expected to enhance grid regulation capabilities in China. As a nation, China has been at the forefront of renewable energy generation, charting a course for other nations to follow. Other large renewable projects in the region include the planned Three Gorges dam, expected to be the largest of its kind once complete.

Project Factsheet:

• Project Name: Lianghekou Hybrid Pumped-Storage Power Project.
• Type of project: Hydropower: hybrid pumped storage.
• Differentiator: Largest hybrid pumped-storage power plant in the world.

Location

• Place of origin: Western part of the Sichuan plateau.
• Province: Sichuan
• Country: China
• Height: Approximately 3,000 above sea level.
• Higher Reservoir: Lianghekou Reservoir.
• Lower Reservoir: Yagen Level-1 Hydropower Station Reservoir.

Ownership / Development

• Lianghekou Hydropower Project: Parent Hydropower Project.

Installed Capacity

• Hybrid Pumped-Storage Units:
• 4 reversible units
• 300 MW each
• Completely filled storage capacity: 1,200 MW.
• The traditional Hydropower Capacity (Lianghekou Project): 3,000 MW.
• Combined Installed Capacity (Total): 4.2 GW.

Latest Construction Achievements.

• Finishing of underground powerhouse trenching.
• Concrete pouring of downstream reservoir has begun.
• Specifications of Underground Powerhouse.
• Depth Below Mountain: 500 meters
• Maximum Burial Depth: also at 650 meters
• Length: 200 meters
• Height: 60 meters
• Purpose: central production and control station (power heart).

Operational Functions

• The hydropower generation by natural runoff.
• Also pumped storage by bi-directional grid control.
• Peak shaving and also load balancing.
• Renewable energy integration assistance.

Strategic Significance

• Stabilizes the grids in western China.
• Also enhances the security of clean energy supply.
• Sponsors the mass integration of renewable in China.
• Also operates as a high altitude super power bank.