The first generating unit in a 100,000-kw hydropower project in
southwest China's
Tibet Autonomous Region is expected to go in operation and go
on stream late this year.
Luo Zhongjun, deputy commander-in-chief for the Straight Pass
hydropower plant being built on the Lhasa River, said the
hydropower project is the biggest in Tibet. Although Luo says it is
a major accomplishment for Tibet, he says, it doesn't compare with
the huge power projects in the economically developed eastern parts
of the country.
The hydropower plant, with four generating units, each with a
capacity of 25,000 kw, started construction in May 2003. The
project has 80 percent of its 1.34 billion yuan (about US$165
million) investment from state coffers. Apart from power
generation, the hydropower project will also have a role?to
play in flood control and irrigation.
The Lhasa River, which originates in the southern foot of the
towering Nyainqentanglha Range, flows through the eastern suburbs
of Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Regina and then joins the
Yarlung Tsangpo River, which is also known as Brahmaputra as it
flows out of China.
According to a survey of potential hydropower resources across
China, Tibet could turn out 110 million kw of hydropower and is
second only to Sichuan in view of unexploited energy making
potential.
So far, hydropower facilities with a total installed capacity of
500,000 kw have been built across rivers in Tibet.
(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2006)