Nestled within the rugged terrain of Zhejiang province on the Chinese mainland, the Changlongshan pumped-storage hydropower station is redefining sustainable energy solutions. Dubbed a "water battery," this engineering marvel stores excess electricity during low-demand periods by pumping water to an upper reservoir, then releases it through turbines to generate power during peak hours — effectively balancing grid demands while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The facility, capable of powering 2 million households annually, eliminates approximately 420,000 tons of carbon emissions each year. Erik Solheim, former UN under-secretary-general and current Europe-Asia Center chairperson, recently toured the site, calling it "a blueprint for harmonizing technological ambition with ecological responsibility."
Pumped-storage hydropower accounts for over 90% of global energy storage capacity, according to the International Hydropower Association. The Changlongshan project exemplifies China’s push to expand renewable infrastructure while addressing energy security challenges. Analysts note such initiatives could attract overseas investors eyeing Asia’s $1.5 trillion clean energy market.
For residents of Zhejiang and beyond, the station represents more than megawatts — it’s a safeguard against power shortages during extreme weather events. As heatwaves strain grids worldwide, solutions like this water battery offer both stability and hope in the climate crisis era.
