HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL IN CHINA AND ITS DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT China abounds in hydropower resources. Due to precipitation and topographical features, these resources concentrate principally in the Southwest, Central South and Northwest Regions. In Eastern China (including East, North and Northeast Regions), hydropower potential is comparatively less and is mainly used for taking up the peak load of thermal-based electric systems. While in Western China, hydropower resource is so abundant that it forms the bulk of electric energy supply, and the long distance transmission of electric power from West to Eastern China will play an important role in the near future. During the past 32 years, much hydropower development has been accomplished in China. Up to the present time, the total installed generating capacity of water power throughout China is approximately 22 GW with annual output of 65 TWh, which is only 3% of the exploitable potential. Thus, the prospect of hydroelectric power development in China has a very brilliant future.