Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Hydropower Country Notes

China

China's hydroelectric resources are vast, however measured: its gross theoretical potential exceeds 6 000 TWh/yr, its technically feasible potential is put at 2 474 TWh/yr while its economically feasible potential has been assessed at 1 753 TWh/yr - in all instances, far larger than that of any other country in the world. Current hydro output (including output from pumped-storage schemes) exceeds 400 TWh/yr, contributing 15-16% to the republic's electricity generation.

Hydropower & Dams World Atlas 2006 reported that in early 2006 some 50 000 MW of hydro capacity was under construction. The largest hydro project is the Three Gorges complex (18 200 MW), which is gradually being brought into operation, with completion scheduled for 2010. Three Gorges generated 49.2 TWh in 2006, as much as all of Italy's hydro stations produce annually.

Other major hydro projects listed as under construction, with completion expected in the period 2009-2013, include Shuibuya (1 840 MW), Pubugou
(3 600 MW), Longtan (5 400 MW), Xiloudu (1 500 MW), Laxiwa (4 200 MW), Xiaowan (4 200 MW) and Goupitan (3 000 MW).

China has about 8 300 MW of pumped-storage capacity, with 7 600 MW under construction.