Xi Jinping sends congratulatory letter on power generation of first batch of generating units of Baihetan hydropower station

Li Keqiang makes instruction; Han Zheng attends power generation ceremony

The first batch of generating units at the Baihetan Hydropower Station on the Jinsha River began safe and on-schedule power generation on the 28th. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the country, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent a congratulatory letter to express warm congratulations.

In his letter, Xi pointed out that the Baihetan Hydropower Station is a major national project under the "West-East Power Transmission" initiative and represents the world's largest and most technically challenging hydropower project currently under construction. The station features the world's largest single-unit-capacity hydro-generator with a power output of one million kilowatts, marking a significant breakthrough in China's high-end equipment manufacturing. All builders and relevant parties have demonstrated a spirit of excellence, scaling new heights, and selfless dedication, working collaboratively to overcome difficulties and contributing to the construction of this major national project. This fully demonstrates that socialism is built through hard work and the new era is forged through struggle.

Xi expressed hope that all builders and relevant parties will coordinate and advance the follow-up work of the Baihetan Hydropower Station, making greater contributions to achieving the carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals and promoting the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, noted in his instructions that it is essential to adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, uphold the new development philosophy, always prioritize quality and safety, vigorously promote the craftsman spirit, strengthen technological innovation, advance follow-up project construction in a solid and orderly manner, meticulously organize the operation and management of the power station, provide continued support for relocated residents, enhance the protection and restoration of the reservoir area's ecosystem, and strive to achieve the organic unity of economic, social, and ecological benefits, thereby making new contributions to better promoting coordinated regional development, safeguarding national energy security, and improving people's lives.

The inauguration ceremony for the first batch of generating units at the Baihetan Hydropower Station on the Jinsha River was held via video link on the 28th, with the main venue in Beijing and a sub-venue at the construction site of the Baihetan Hydropower Station.

Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Han Zheng attended the ceremony at the main venue in Beijing and announced the official operation and power generation of the first batch of generating units of the Baihetan hydropower station. Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the National Development and Reform Commission He Lifeng read out Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter and Li Keqiang's instruction.

Located on the Jinsha River at the border between Ningnan County of Sichuan Province and Qiaojia County of Yunnan Province, the Baihetan hydropower station is developed and constructed by the China Three Gorges Corporation, with a total investment of 220 billion yuan. With a total installed capacity of 16 million kilowatts, the station is equipped with 16 hydro-generating units, each with a capacity of one million kilowatts, the largest single-unit capacity in the world independently developed by China. Construction of the main project started in July 2017. The first two generating units have been put into operation, and all units will start operation in July 2022. Upon full completion, the Baihetan hydropower station will be the world's second-largest hydropower station, second only to the Three Gorges project.