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Advancing China's energy landscape with pumped storage

Project Story

With a technically feasible hydropower potential of approximately 2,720TWh per year from its 541.6GW of capacity, China's hydropower resource is a significant driver of its renewable energy ambitions. China already accounts for about 17% of the world’s total installed hydropower capacity and the government aims to increase renewable energy capacity to a 30% share by 2050, with hydropower anticipated to reach about 660GW by then from numerous projects. Among these is the notable pumped storage project Zhen An

China – The Zhen An Pumped Storage Power Station, located in Yuehe Town, Zhen An County, Shaanxi Province, represents a significant milestone in China's hydropower development. As the first pumped storage plant in northwest China, this project by the State Grid Corporation of China aims to promote regional development, adjust the energy mix, and support the western development strategy.

Comprising an upper and lower reservoir, a water transmission system, an underground plant, and a switch station, Zhen An has a total installed capacity of 1,400 MW, with each of its four reversible water pump turbine generators rated at 350 MW. Designed to provide 2,341 GWh per year, it connects at 330 kV to support the Shaanxi power grid. Scheduled for completion and operation by 2024, the project features the largest pumped storage units supplied by ANDRITZ, including the excitation system, governor, static frequency conversion starting device, switch disconnector, relay protection, and computer monitoring system.

Outside view of Zhen An pumped storage plant.

Celebration of completion of unit 3 of Zhen An pumped storage plant.

The Zhen An Pumped Storage Power Plant, the first of its kind in Shaanxi Province, has been successfully completed and put into operation with remarkable outcomes, marked by a series of critical milestones. The project's progress began with the early energization of main transformers in December 2023, which enabled Unit 1's wet commissioning. Building on this achievement, formal commissioning followed in March 2024, while installation of subsequent units continued smoothly. Notably, Unit 2's stator and rotor — measuring 8.6 m and 5.7 m in diameter respectively and weighing over 650tons combined — were successfully installed in September 2023, followed by Unit 3 in January 2024 and Unit 4's stator in April 2024.

All four units commenced commercial operation, with Unit 1 starting on September 12 and Unit 4 on December 12, 2024, marking the full-scale launch of the power station. This achievement reflects ANDRITZ’s strong execution capabilities and fulfills the owner’s goal of full operation within 2024. As of July 2025, the first unit commissioned has been running safely and stably for over ten months, contributing to grid stability and energy regulation in Shaanxi.

"Zhen An features the largest pumped storage units supplied by ANDRITZ."

Project team of Zhen An pumped storage plant.

The Zhen An pump storage project not only highlights China's technical prowess but also its commitment to a diversified and sustainable energy portfolio. ANDRITZ is proud to be part of this important project and to make a significant contribution to China’s energy transition with its expertise and commitment to high-quality pumped storage solutions.