French multinational conglomerate Alstom has commissioned four units, totaling 6,400MW at Xiangjiaba underground hydro power plant in China.
Designed and manufactured by Alstom, each unit features a 800MW class Francis turbine coupled to an 889 MVA generator.
According to the company, each power generation unit has the capacity to generate electricity enough to cater to the power needs of around 5 million inhabitants annually.
Alstom Hydro China general manager Yves Rannou said that the delivery and commercial operation of the four units for Xiangjiaba plant marks a major step to demonstrate the company’s contribution to hydro power development in China.
"With its operational excellence and state-of-the-art technology, Alstom is best positioned to work along with Chinese customers to actively respond to the new challenges for the country’s hydro power industry.
"It also tangibly demonstrates Alstom’s ability to be at the forefront of innovation in the hydropower industry, continuing to develop the best performing and largest machines in the world," added Rannou.
The Xiangjiaba plant, owned by the China Three Gorges, will employ eight power generation units and is expected to become the third largest hydro power plant in China on completion.