Two generators with a total capacity of 1100 MW in the Ertan hydroelectric power station, located in southwest China city of Panzhihua in Sichuan Province, are expected to begin operations in mid August. The construction of the 3300MW hydro project began in September 1991. The facility, designed to produce 17B kWh of electricity annually has so far cost US$3.98B.
Part of the funding for the project, US$930M, was provided by the World Bank. The construction of the 240m-high 750m-long double arch dam was carried out by a consortium which included Impregilo of Italy, Dumez of France, and the Hydroelectric Engineering Bureau of China.