World's largest hydro-solar power plant enters first phase

The first phase of the world's largest hydro-solar power plant, also the world's highest power station of its kind, entered full operation in China on Sunday, according to its operator State Development and Investment Corp.

With an installed capacity of one million kilowatts, the first phase of the Kela solar power station's annual generating capacity reaches two billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is equivalent to 600,000 tons of standard coal and will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1.6 million tons, said the company.

The plant, situated in Sichuan province, is now connected with Lianghekou hydropower plant, which was put into operation in March with a total installed capacity of three million kilowatts.

The power generation of solar power stations fluctuates between day and night amid weather events as they heavily rely on sunlight to generate electricity. The hydropower component helps regulate all instability in solar power supply, providing stable and high-quality clean electricity for the power grid, said the company.

Zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn