China Expands Pumped Storage Capacity with a $1.5 Billion Project
China has announced the commencement of a 1.4GW pumped storage power plant in Shanxi Province, as part of its ambitious plan to develop sustainable energy sources. The project, which will cost $1.5 billion, is located in the mountains of Daixian County and will take 72 months to complete, aiming to support the stability of the electricity grid, which is increasingly reliant on solar and wind power.
Expansion of Pumped Storage Projects
Pumped storage power plants are one of China’s key solutions to address fluctuations in electricity generation from renewable energy sources. According to Li Zhitao, Deputy General Manager of Shanxi Daixian Zhenghuaneng Energy Development Company, the new project will “enhance grid stability and support China’s sustainable energy mix.” This latest development further emphasises the focus on pumped storage projects in China.
In 2022, Power China announced plans to develop 270GW of storage capacity over three years. The largest operating plant, the Fengning Station in Hebei Province, was completed last year with a 3.6GW capacity at a cost of $1.9 billion.
Record Growth in Renewable Energy
China is working to strengthen its renewable energy infrastructure by integrating storage plants with solar and wind projects. According to a report by the National Energy Administration, China’s solar power capacity reached 890GW by the end of 2024, a 45% year-on-year increase, while wind power capacity reached 520GW, an 18% increase. Projects like these highlight the potential for pumped storage in China.
Zhao Wen, an energy storage expert at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, stated that
“expanding pumped storage technology is essential to ensuring the stability of renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.”
The Future of Storage Projects in China
China plans to build 340 additional pumped storage projects, targeting 120GW by 2030 and 420GW by 2035. Future strategies also include distributed storage systems, which utilise existing infrastructure such as water reservoirs and stormwater basins to improve grid efficiency. Pumped storage in China will significantly impact the renewable energy landscape.
Summary Table of the Project and Future Plans
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| New Project | 1.4GW pumped storage plant in Shanxi Province |
| Cost | $1.5 billion |
| Construction Duration | 72 months |
| Annual Output | 3,000 GWh |
| Total Existing Storage | 58GW |
| Target by 2035 | 420GW |
| Largest Operating Plant | Fengning Station (3.6GW capacity) |
These projects are part of China’s broader energy transition, as the government aims to achieve energy self-sufficiency and reduce carbon emissions by expanding storage and renewable energy projects. With the rapid development of pumped storage, China is moving closer to these goals.
