Four units of Xiangjiaba hydro project in China begin production

China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG) has commenced the operation of four power generating units at the 6,400MW Xiangjiaba underground hydropower plant in southwest China Jinsha River.

The units supplied by Alstom comprise an 800MW class Francis turbine coupled to an 889MVA generator and have an estimated annual power output equivalent to the consumption of five million people.

Alstom has designed and manufactured the units at Tianjin factory, China and delivered them at one unit every two months between November 2012 and June 2013.

The generators are claimed to be the only air-cooled equipments in the world featuring 23kV windings, with 10m diameter, the turbine runners weigh over 400t.

Commenting on the developments, Alstom Hydro China general manager Yves Rannou said that the efficient delivery and commercial operation of the units for Xiangjiaba plant validates the company’s commitment towards China’s hydropower sector.

"With its operational excellence and state-of-the-art technology, Alstom is best positioned to work along with Chinese customers to actively respond to the new challenges for the country’s hydro power industry," added Rannou.

"It also tangibly demonstrates Alstom’s ability to be at the forefront of innovation in the hydropower industry, continuing to develop the best performing and largest machines in the world."

Expected to be the third largest hydro power station in the country, the Xiangjiaba hydropower plant will consist of eight generating units following the completion of the project.

The project is being developed as a part of China’s West to East Electricity Transfer Programme to address the surging electricity requirement of the country’s eastern provinces.

Alstom has also supplied to CTG’s Three Gorges Left Bank with eight units of 700MW, Three Gorges Right Bank with six units of 700MW and two units of 700MW each for the Three Gorges Underground.