A view of the Zhejiang Tiantai Pumped-storage Power Station. SUN JINBIAO/FOR CHINA DAILY
The full operation of a record-breaking pumped-storage hydroelectricity station in East China is poised to further accelerate the nation's green energy transition and fortify long-term grid security, said industry experts.
Marking a monumental technological leap in ultra-high head and large-capacity energy storage, the Zhejiang Tiantai Pumped-storage Power Station, which brought all its units online last week, serves as a crucial "regulator" for the country's modern power system.
As the first facility of its kind to become fully operational during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, the 1.7-gigawatt project, located in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, boasts the world's highest rated water head at 724 meters, according to its operator China Three Gorges Corp (CTG).
In hydroelectric engineering, water head refers to the vertical drop between the upper reservoir and the turbine units. A higher water head means greater water pressure and potential energy, allowing the station to generate more power using less water.
