Total hydropower storage capacity in china

Why is China building pumped-storage hydropower facilities?

China is building pumped-storage hydropower facilities to increase the flexibility of the power grid and accommodate growing wind and solar power. As of May 2023, China had 50 gigawatts (GW) of operational pumped-storage capacity, 30% of global capacity and more than any other country.

How much pumped-storage hydropower will China have by 2025?

According to a mid- and long-term development plan for pumped-storage hydropower unveiled by the National Energy Administration last year, China aims to have more than 62 million kilowatts of operational pumped-storage hydropower capacities by 2025. By 2030, the figure is expected to reach around 120 million kW.

Is China leading the world in pumped-storage hydropower?

A recent CREEI report showed China already leads the world in pumped-storage hydropower. By the end of last year, the total installed capacity of pumped-storage hydroelectricity in China had increased 15.6 percent year-on-year to 36.39 million kW.

What percentage of China's new hydropower capacity was added in 2021?

In 2021, approximately 80% of new hydropower capacity added globally was in China. 27 In 2021, China installed 20 GW of new hydropower capacity to reach 391 GW of total hydropower capacity by year end. In 2021, hydropower accounted for roughly 16% of China’s installed power capacity and 16% of China’s electricity generation. 28

How big is China's pumped-storage capacity?

China’s pumped-storage capacity is set to increase even more, with 89 GW of capacity currently under construction. Developers are seeking governmental approvals, land rights, or financing for an additional 276 GW of pumped-storage projects, according to the data from Global Energy Monitor. Pumped storage is a type of energy storage.

Will China expand its pumped storage capacity by 2027?

With Fengning now online, China aims to expand its pumped storage capacity to 80 GW by 2027 and reach a total hydropower capacity of 120 GW by 2030. Globally, pumped storage hydropower is the largest form of renewable energy storage, with nearly 200 GW of installed capacity.