The Maerdang Hydropower Station, situated on the upper reaches of the Yellow River in Qinghai Province, northwest China, celebrated one year since its first unit began supplying power to the grid. Located at an average altitude of 3,300 meters, the station has produced 3.5 billion kWh of electricity over the past year. With a total installed capacity of 2.32 million kilowatts, it plays a key role in the "west-to-east power transmission" project, delivering energy across regions.

By the end of last year, all five units of the Maerdang Hydropower Station were fully operational, marking the completion of its commissioning phase. The clean energy generated equates to saving about 1.07 million tonnes of standard coal and cutting approximately 3.98 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. This output highlights the station’s contribution to sustainable energy production.

Operated by the China Energy Investment Corporation, the Maerdang station taps into Qinghai’s rich renewable energy resources. Beyond hydropower, the corporation is expanding the site into a comprehensive clean energy hub. This complex integrates hydropower, wind power, solar energy, and energy storage, with a planned total capacity of 31.12 million kilowatts. Once fully developed, it aims to produce an average of 48 billion kWh of electricity annually.

The station’s location in Qinghai Province positions it as a vital asset for harnessing renewable energy from the Yellow River’s upper reaches. Its efforts support broader goals of reducing reliance on fossil fuels while meeting energy demands efficiently. The integration of multiple renewable sources reflects a forward-looking approach to energy production.

Since its first unit connected to the grid on April 01, 2024, the Maerdang Hydropower Station has steadily increased its output. The full operation of all units by late 2024 has solidified its role as a major power provider. The ongoing development of the clean energy complex underscores a commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity in the region.

by Xinhua