The Baihetan Hydropower Station, the world's second largest hydropower plant with 16 million kW capacity, has been operating for over 1,800 days and generated 250 billion kWh of clean electricity. It saves an estimated 19.68 million tonnes of standard coal annually and cuts CO2 emissions by about 51.6 million tonnes per year. Two ultra-high-voltage lines send power over 2,000 km to the Yangtze River Delta, supporting grid decarbonization and green industrial transition in eastern China. Beyond electricity, the project has transformed Qiaojia county in Yunnan. The once isolated mountain area now has new roads, a wetland park, and a growing urban population. Resettlement programs have created jobs, with over 50,000 displaced residents housed near schools and clinics. Local industries like sugarcane and fruit orchards have expanded, and tourism has grown to over 5 million visits in 2025. The station also supports ecological restoration, including fish releases and wastewater treatment, reinforcing its role as a clean energy and regional development anchor.
