⚡ Yebatan Hydropower Station, China's highest-altitude hydropower project, began feeding electricity into the grid earlier today (Dec 27, 2025). Nestled at 4,600m above sea level on the Jinsha River in Sichuan-Xizang, this mega dam is a game-changer for renewable energy and energy security.
With a total capacity of 2.24 million kilowatts (2.24 GW), it is the largest hydropower station on the upper Jinsha River under China's 14th Five-Year Plan. Standing 217 m tall, the dam faced freezing temperatures, thin air, and a deep-buried powerhouse. For the first time in China, engineers achieved uninterrupted, year-round concrete pouring for an ultra-high arch dam in harsh, high-altitude conditions 🏗️❄️.
Units 3 and 4 went live within weeks, showcasing a smooth ramp-up. Once all units are online, Yebatan will generate over 10.2 billion kWh annually – enough to power millions of homes, save about 3.1 million tonnes of coal, and cut over 8.3 million tonnes of CO2 each year 🌱.
The clean power flows to central China via the Jinsha River-Hubei 800 kV UHVDC corridor, part of a hydropower-solar hybrid energy route. This helps optimize the energy mix, drive the green transition, and strengthen energy security. It is a major win for tech-minded changemakers who care about sustainability 🚀.
For young pros in South Asia and Southeast Asia, Yebatan shows how cutting-edge engineering meets climate goals – proving that with bold innovation, we can tackle big challenges even at dizzying heights.
Reference(s):
China's highest-altitude hydropower station begins power generation
cgtn.com
