China Activates Lianghekou Hydropower Plant to Reduce Coal Dependence
The Lianghekou hydropower plant, located on the Tibetan Plateau, has commenced operations and can produce approximately 11 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually. It is expected to decrease coal consumption by more than 13 million tons and prevent 21 million tons of carbon emissions each year.
The project, which began construction in 2014 with a total investment of $10.5 billion, includes a reservoir that stores 10.8 billion cubic meters of water, enabling power output balancing. The plant collaborates with the Kela photovoltaic plant, 50 kilometers away, to create a more reliable low carbon energy grid. Despite the benefits, the dam has caused significant ecological and social impacts, including the relocation of thousands of residents.
