REM: China constructs 2.8-GW pumped-storage hydro project in Gobi desert

China is constructing a new 2.8-GW pumped-storage hydro project in the Gobi desert. The Qinghai Warang pumped-storage hydro electricity power station in north-western China will store excess renewable energy, like a giant battery.

The total investment of nearly CNY16bn ($2.24bn) will be the largest storage plant in western China.

The project is part of a series of regional projects to enhance the grid's reliability, given the large proportion of variable renewable energy.

Located in Quy Nam district, in the eastern part of Thanh Hai Province, it will utilise the reservoir of the Laxiwa Dam on the Yellow River as the bottom reservoir.

The Qinghai Warang power station in Qinghai will be operated by the State Grid Corporation (SGC), reports the South China Morning Post.

The province has a greater penetration of renewables than any other, with 63% solar and wind power and 28% hydro. By 2030, Qinghai will reach 100 GW of renewables, more than three times today’s capacity.