$1b pumped storage power station breaks ground in Quzhou

State Grid, China's main power supplier, has commenced construction on a pumped storage power station in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, local media reported on Jan 8.

Once completed, the power station is expected to drive up local government revenue by 15 billion yuan, increase the output value of the local electrical equipment manufacturing industry by 1.5 billion yuan and bring in more jobs.

With an investment of 7.3 billion yuan ($1 billion), the largest scale power station in the eastern Chinese city is expected to generate electricity of 1.2 billion kilowatt hours annually upon it being in full operation in 2026.

The new facility will take on various functions, such as peak shaving, peak - load shifting, and if needed, a source of emergency power to help improve the safety and reliability of the local electric power system.

The power station will also help save roughly 110,000 tons of raw coal, reduce around 220,000 tons of carbon emissions, and 1,500 tons of sulfur dioxide emissions each year.

After its completion, the power station will itself help to boost tourism in the area. Situated in the beautiful Huangtankou village, local officials hope that the power station's upper and lower reservoir areas together with the surrounding natural resources will become a popular tourist destination.