In a major leap for clean energy, China has officially started operations at its pumped-storage hydropower station in Jurong City, Jiangsu Province. Boasting the world’s tallest dam of its kind at 182.3 meters, the facility is transforming how the Yangtze River Delta manages and stores electricity.
Think of pumped-storage as a giant, reversible battery. During off-peak hours, excess power is used to pump water uphill. When demand peaks, the water flows back down through turbines, generating up to 1.35 gigawatts of carbon-free power—enough to light up a million homes.
Data shows this system can absorb surplus wind and solar energy, smoothing out fluctuations on the grid. For a region bustling with factories, tech hubs, and fast-growing cities, stable power is key to sustaining economic growth and cutting carbon emissions.
Local officials estimate that by integrating more renewable energy, the plant will cut CO₂ emissions by millions of tonnes annually. This marks a step forward in China's broader drive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and offers a blueprint for other economies balancing growth with green goals.
As young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and travelers seek real-world sustainable solutions, projects like Jurong's pumped-storage station highlight the intersection of innovation, policy, and environmental impact. Keep an eye on the delta—the future of energy storage is rising, one drop at a time.
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World's tallest-dam pumped-storage hydropower plant fully operational
cgtn.com
