Maerdang hydropower plant generates 3.5 billion kWh of electricity

Hydropower facility in Qinghai boosts China's clean energy output.

An aerial view of the Maerdang Hydropower Station in Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, northwest China, on December 31, 2024. Photo by Zhang Long/Xinhua

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The Maerdang hydropower plant on the upper reaches of the Yellow River in Qinghai Province has produced 3.5 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity since its first unit was connected to the grid a year ago. This massive renewable energy project plays a crucial role in China’s efforts to expand clean energy generation and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Situated at an altitude of 3,300 meters in northwest China, the Maerdang hydropower plant is among the country’s key infrastructure projects supporting the "west to east power transmission" initiative. With a total installed capacity of 2.32 million kilowatts, it contributes significantly to stabilizing power supply in energy-demanding regions across China.

A key contributor to China's clean energy strategy

By the end of 2023, all five units of the Maerdang hydropower plant had become fully operational, marking a major milestone in China's renewable energy sector. The plant generates clean electricity that helps reduce the country’s dependence on coal. According to the operator, China Energy Investment Corporation, the electricity produced by the facility is equivalent to saving about 1.07 million tons of standard coal and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 3.98 million tons annually.

As part of a broader strategy to optimize its renewable energy infrastructure, China Energy Investment Corporation is developing an integrated clean energy complex at the hydropower plant site. This complex will combine hydropower, wind power, solar energy, and energy storage, with a planned total installed capacity of 31.12 million kilowatts.

Expanding renewable energy production

China continues to make significant strides in clean energy production, and the Maerdang hydropower plant is an essential part of this progress. Once fully developed, the integrated clean energy facility at the site is projected to generate an average of 48 billion kWh of electricity annually. This output will further support the country’s transition to renewable energy and reduce its carbon footprint.

With its strategic location and substantial energy output, the Maerdang hydropower plant demonstrates China’s commitment to sustainable power generation. As demand for clean energy grows, similar projects will play a crucial role in ensuring energy security while advancing environmental sustainability.