Construction of a 600 MW pumped-storage power plant has commenced in the Qinghai province, near Delingha. The project, valued at ¥5.23 billion (approximately $783 million), is scheduled for full operation by 2034. Its upper reservoir will be situated at an altitude of 4,008 meters, marking it as the highest facility of this type in Northwest China.
The facility utilizes two reservoirs, water conduits, and an underground machine hall. During periods of low demand, pumps transfer water to the upper reservoir. During peak hours, the water flows back to drive turbines. The plant is designed to generate 1.2 billion kWh annually, providing peak load coverage, emergency reserves, and frequency regulation for the local grid.
The station is intended to support Delingha's renewable energy base, which includes solar power and green hydrogen production. As of 2026, the city's installed clean energy capacity reached 6.05 GW, with an additional 950 MW under construction. Delingha aims to expand its total clean energy capacity to over 14 GW by 2030.
