The Zhaoqing Langjiang Pumped Storage Project has reached a major milestone with the arrival of China’s first domestically developed large-scale variable-speed pumped-storage unit. The breakthrough accelerates the application of major national energy technology equipment and provides strong support for the development of new power systems.

Deep inside an underground powerhouse 100 meters below the surface, a 380-ton unit component was precisely lowered into place by crane. Compared with conventional fixed-speed units, the variable-speed unit offers greater operational flexibility, faster response times, and improved stability. It can pump 280,000 cubic meters of water into the reservoir per hour and generate 300,000 kWh of green electricity—enough to power 50,000 households for a day.

As a key demonstration project for domestically developed variable-speed pumped-storage units, the Zhaoqing project will now proceed through more than 30 subsequent stages, including unit installation, commissioning, and the construction of the upper and lower reservoirs as well as water conveyance systems. Full commercial operation is expected in the first half of 2027.