Maerdang Hydropower Plant: A Major Milestone in China’s Clean Energy Sector and an Integration of Solar Power and Energy Storage

The Maerdang hydropower plant in Qinghai province, China, has begun operations, marking a major milestone in the country’s energy sector. This facility is the highest hydropower plant in the country and boasts the largest installed capacity in the Yellow River basin. With an installed capacity of 550,000 kW, the first unit of the Maerdang hydropower plant is expected to produce 13.2 million kWh of clean electricity per day, meeting the daily electricity needs of over one million families.

The Maerdang hydropower plant is more than just a hydroelectric power station; it’s also China Energy’s first integrated clean energy facility that combines solar power and energy storage. The project aims to make better use of abundant clean energy resources in western China for the benefit of electricity-starved eastern regions. Additionally, an ultra-high voltage transformer station began operating as part of this facility last September. Equipped with a drone system that intercepts unidentified drones, this smart substation ensures the security of power transmission networks.

The Maerdang hydropower plant can transmit approximately 15 billion kWh of clean electricity per year and promotes water resource development and electricity production in upper reaches of Yellow River. This project aligns with China Energy’s efforts to enhance internet security and safeguard online privacy while exploring new technologies and methods to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Overall, this significant step towards achieving clean and sustainable energy production in China represents a promising future for both China Energy and its stakeholders.