First Batch of Units of World's Third-Largest Hydropower Station Begin Operations

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources China (Beijing, China)--Following the commissioning of the first unit (Unit 13) and the second unit (Unit 10) in the right-bank powerhouse of China Three Gorges Group Corporation's (CTG) Xiluodu Hydropower Station on July 15 and July 24, 2013, respectively, the first unit (Unit 6) of the left bank powerhouse passed the 72-hour, continuous, full-load trial operation on July 27 and began commercial operations again on July 29. The first batch of units at the world's third-largest hydropower station has begun operations as scheduled, according an announcement from the CTG on July 30.

The Xiluodu Hydropower Station, located at the boundary between Leibo County in the Sichuan province and Yongshan County in the Yunnan province, also is the second-largest hydropower project developed by CTGC on the Changjiang River, and the second-largest hydropower project in China. The power station mainly comprises a 278-meter-high, concrete, double curvature-arch dam; a spillway; the power diversion works; and two underground powerhouses on either bank. The total planned capacity is 13.86 GW, including nine large hydraulic turbine generating units, each of 770 megawatts (MW), in the left-bank underground powerhouse and the right-bank underground powerhouse.

The newly commissioned units 13 and 10 were manufactured by Dongfang Electric Corporation (Chengdu, Sichuan), and Unit 6 was manufactured by Harbin Electric Machinery Company Limited (Harbin, Heilongjiang). In addition, Unit 8 in the left bank powerhouse, manufactured by Voith Hydro Shanghai Limited (VHS), began its 72-hour trial operation on July 28.

According to the latest schedule, it is expected to have 10 to 12 units commissioned within this year, and the entire project will be completed in 2015.

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