Ertan Hydroelectric Plant, China

The Ertan Hydroelectric Project, located on the Yalong River in Sichuan Province, China, is one of the country's largest and most impressive hydroelectric infrastructures. The construction of the plant began in 1991 and was completed in 1999, involving the Ertan Hydropower Development Company, a joint venture among various entities, including the Chinese government and international partners such as the World Bank.

The Ertan Hydroelectric Plant was designed to meet China's growing energy demand by providing a reliable and sustainable source of electricity. The Ertan Dam, standing 240 meters high and 774 meters long, is a concrete gravity dam that creates a large reservoir to feed the turbines.

With an installed capacity of 3,300 MW, the plant is equipped with six Francis turbines, each with a capacity of 550 MW. The energy produced by the Ertan plant is primarily intended for the southwestern provinces of China, significantly contributing to reducing the regional energy deficit and supporting local industry and population welfare.

Additionally, the Ertan Hydroelectric Plant plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the Yalong River, helping to prevent floods and manage water supply during dry seasons.

Besides providing clean and renewable energy, the Ertan plant has stimulated local economic development by creating jobs and improving infrastructure in the region. This project exemplifies how large engineering works can be achieved through international cooperation and the support of global financial institutions, bringing lasting benefits to local communities and the environment.