In an era of growing renewable energy generation and fluctuating electricity demands, a pumped-storage hydropower plant in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region stands out as a proven and efficient method of maintaining grid stability and revitalizing local ecosystems.

The Xinjiang Fukang Pumped Storage Power Station of the State Grid Xinyuan Company, the first of this kind in Northwest China, commenced full-scale power generation in July 2024. It has a bidirectional and double regulation capacity of 2.4 million kilowatts. As of May 14, the power station has operated nearly 15,000 hours and generated over 2.1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity.

The power station is mainly composed of an upstream reservoir, water conveyance system, underground powerhouse system, ground switch station and a downstream reservoir.

"When electricity demand is low, the plant uses surplus power to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir, converting electrical energy into stored energy. When demand peaks, water is released back to the lower reservoir through turbines, generating electricity," said Lu Jiangang, deputy director of the engineering department.

"Generally, the station pumps water from the downstream reservoir between 9 am and 10 am, and generates power between midnight and 7 am, the power consumption peak hours, achieving about 80 percent round-trip efficiency," said Yang Hongtao, chairman of the company.

Comparing with other storage methods, it boasts large-scale capacity, an exceptional safety record and a long operational lifespan, Yang added.

Now, the installed capacity of new energy in Xinjiang has exceeded 100 million kilowatts, posing increased volatility on the power grid.

By balancing supply and demand in real-time, the facility not only enhances grid reliability but also supports the large-scale adoption of intermittent renewables like wind and solar by over 2.6 billion kilowatt-hours annually. That saves 165,000 tons of standard coal consumption, and reduces 496,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

Besides, it promotes ecological sustainability. Lu said that with high altitude, the climate in this area is dry and cold, resulting in a fragile environment.

However, the power station improves micro-environment by reservoir evaporation, which increases precipitation. Through long-term research, Lu and his teammates carefully chose appropriate seeds and cultivated shrubs in nearby regions, increasing vegetation coverage and improving the local ecology.

"Two years after the operation, wapitis, foxes and wild boars reappeared and birds have settled the reservoirs in summer, a sign of a better environment," Lu added.