Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 30, China on Tuesday inaugurated a pumped-storage hydropower station in Jurong, Jiangsu province, featuring the world’s tallest dam of its type. The facility, built by a subsidiary of the State Grid Corporation of China, is fully operational with a total installed capacity of 1.35 gigawatts and is expected to produce 1.35 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

The plant operates by using off-peak electricity to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir, storing energy that can be released to generate power when demand rises. The upper reservoir dam stands 182.3 meters tall, roughly equivalent to a 60-story building, making it the tallest pumped-storage dam globally. The reservoir has a capacity of 17.07 million cubic meters of water.

Jiangsu, a major industrial region in the Yangtze River Delta, is experiencing record electricity demand. With renewable energy capacity rapidly expanding, the need for energy storage facilities has grown. Wang Chenhui of the State Grid Zhenjiang Power Supply Company said: “Once fully operational, the power station can help ease grid pressure during peak time and boost the consumption of power generated from renewable energy sources like wind and solar.”

The project reflects a broader national effort to strengthen energy infrastructure. Since 2021, State Grid has commissioned 78 pumped-storage hydropower generating units, bringing the total capacity of this type of generation to 44.53 gigawatts.

The new facility not only supports grid stability but also contributes to more efficient utilization of renewable energy by storing excess generation and releasing it when needed. It is expected to play a key role in meeting Jiangsu’s rising electricity demand and ensuring reliable power supply for industrial and residential users.

The hydropower station highlights the integration of advanced engineering and sustainable energy planning, combining large-scale storage capabilities with renewable energy optimization. Its operation is expected to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based power during peak periods and support the province’s efforts to manage energy resources efficiently.

By combining a high-capacity storage system with cutting-edge dam engineering, the project sets a new benchmark for pumped-storage hydropower worldwide. It illustrates how technological innovation can enhance grid resilience and promote the effective use of clean energy sources, supporting both economic growth and environmental sustainability in Jiangsu and beyond.

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