The Yebatan Hydropower Station, a cornerstone in China’s transition to sustainable energy, achieved a significant milestone with the installation of its first generator stator on Wednesday. This marks an important step toward optimizing the nation’s energy infrastructure.
Located at the confluence of Baiyu County in Sichuan Province and Konjo County in the Xizang Autonomous Region, the station boasts a projected capacity of 2,240 MW. Upon completion, it will become the largest hydropower facility on the upper reaches of the Jinsha River.
The successful placement of the 15.6-meter diameter stator, a key generator component, signals the start of the assembly of its first generating unit. Upcoming stages include tightening, testing, and calibrating bolts, followed by rotor installation and other turbine components.
Liu Qiang, executive director at China Huadian Corporation’s Yebatan branch, outlined the project’s complexities, citing high-altitude conditions, extreme temperatures, and advanced structural engineering requirements. “By employing cutting-edge technologies and a smart management platform, we aim to commission the first units by the end of 2025,” Liu stated.
Standing at 217 meters upon completion, the dam will be China’s highest-altitude double-curved arch dam. Once operational, it is expected to generate 10.2 billion kilowatt-hours annually, replacing 3.99 million tons of coal and cutting carbon emissions by 7.37 million tons. The generated energy will flow to central China via the Jinshang-Hubei ±800 kV UHV DC transmission line, the first hybrid hydropower-photovoltaic line of its kind.
Dazzling New Year Celebrations Illuminate the UAE
As 2025 began, the United Arab Emirates celebrated with spectacular displays across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, drawing crowds from around the globe.
In Dubai, the iconic Burj Khalifa hosted a nine-minute display themed “Beyond Dreams,” blending 15,600 firework elements, over 200 lasers, and vibrant light shows. Complementing this, fireworks lit up 36 other locations across the city, creating an electrifying atmosphere for thousands of spectators.
Tourists shared their hopes for the new year amid the festivities. “To travel more and see the world,” said Carlos Fong, an American tourist. Others expressed ambitions ranging from personal success to global happiness and unity.
Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah’s 4.5-kilometer seafront featured a synchronized drone and fireworks show. Over 1,400 drones formed symbolic shapes like falcons and palm trees, while vibrant fireworks illuminated the night sky. The performance drew over 100,000 on-site spectators and was lauded as one of the finest displays globally.
Tourism officials highlighted the extensive planning behind the spectacle. “We begin preparations for next year as soon as the current display concludes,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
The celebrations and the groundbreaking hydropower project reflect global ambitions for progress, sustainability, and unity as the world steps into 2025.