Three Gorges, China

The total capacity of 18,200 MW is roughly equivalent to the output of 14 nuclear power plants or 22 large, coal-fired thermal power plants. The hydropower plant will provide energy to Central and East China, regions with strong economic growth, consuming approximately 40 % of China's total energy. Additionally, part of the energy will be distributed to the eastern section of Sichuan Province.

Technical data:

Start of operation: 2003
Total capacity installed: 18,200 MW
Rated Head: 80.6 m
Number of units: 26
Type of tubines: Francis
Runner diameter: 10 m
Rated speed: 75 rpm
Rated voltage: 20 kV

Voith Siemens Hydro Heidenheim, Germany has carried out model tests for the turbines.

Voith Siemens Hydro Shanghai, China manufactured two 420 ton runners and other key turbine and generator components.

Voith Siemens Hydro São Paulo, Brazil supplied castings for the turbine runner blades and major generator components, including four stator windings, two stator cores, a frame, two generator rotors and auxiliary systems.