China has become synonymous with building extraordinary energy projects. They are working on yet another. All in the hopes of moving away from its reliance on coal, China is now looking to expand its already diverse energy portfolio even further and prove why the country is on top of the global renewable energy game.
182 meters tall, China’s latest energy project will be a record-breaking one
China has undertaken another bold energy project. It seems like news of another development when it comes to this nation’s hopes to decarbonize breaks every week. Their focus on renewables has been remarkable, and this energy project is no different. This project will be 182 meters high, with a concrete wall holding 17 billion liters of water.
To say this is ambitious would be an understatement. Built deep in the mountains of China, this is not just another dam. It is yet another ambitious statement from a nation that seems intent on being the worldwide renewable energy leader.
China’s 17-billion-liter dam cements its focus on hydropower
Since the grand opening of this dam, the world has been abuzz with discussion about it. It boasts a cutting-edge design, and its size is something that is hard to overlook. Hydropower has been an important aspect of China’s approach to clean energy.
Its height matches some of the tallest buildings on the planet. The true genius of it all lies in how the water is moved. Top-of-the-line turbines channel billions of liters of water to churn out a massive amount of renewable electricity. Millions of homes stand to benefit from this energy project.
China’s new hydropower energy project is shifting the way clean energy is looked at around the world
The engineers responsible for this dam are referring to it as a hybrid. It is in part a traditional hydro plant and in part a next-generation pumping station. It both makes and stores power. This duality is a huge advantage when considering grid stability. When the demand for electricity drops, this dam uses leftover power to pump water back uphill. The reservoir is refilled and prepped for the next spike in demand.
When this eventually happens, the dam lets this water loose by sending it back through the turbines for an instant hit of power. This flexibility makes this dam so special. It provides a steady supply of power when demand is at a peak and readies itself for the next spike in usage when demand is lower. China’s large power network is completely protected by innovations such as this.
More than just another energy project, this dam is yet another statement of intent by China
As is the case with all its recent energy projects, there is the very evident goal of lowering emissions and moving away from reliance on coal, and then, of course, the message that China is sending to the world. The one hinged on engineering prowess and ambition.
China has invested heavily in every renewable resource you can think of: solar, hydro, and wind power projects that don’t nudge the envelope forward but completely push it to the limits are popping up all over this country. Each project seems to be grander than the last. Net-zero carbon emissions might become a reality for this nation sooner than most.
All of these projects go above and beyond what outsiders might initially expect of them. A dam standing 182 meters tall and holding 17 billion liters of water as efficiently as this one does is no trifling accomplishment. These are record-breaking numbers. We can only imagine what is to come next, but we are certain it will be something the world is sure to take note of.