China Completes Record 637-Meter Vertical Shaft for Hydroelectric Power
The province of Zhejiang in China marks a milestone in heavy engineering by completing the excavation of a vertical shaft of extraordinary depth. This project, executed by China Energy Engineering Group, is a key component for a future pumped storage hydroelectric plant and sets new standards in the industry 🇨🇳.
The four technical milestones that define the project
This work not only stands out for its scale, but for breaking multiple national records. The achievements demonstrate significant progress in how complex energy infrastructure is built.
Records set in the excavation:- Maximum diameter: The drilling reached 10.4 meters, the widest for a shaft of this type in the country.
- Depth in one stage: The greatest excavation depth in a single work cycle was achieved.
- Speed in difficult terrains: The highest rate was recorded when drilling geological formations considered complex.
- Use of extreme machinery: A large-diameter tunnel boring machine was used under conditions qualified as extreme.
This advance allows shortening the timelines for building the Jinhua pumped storage hydroelectric plant.
Implications for the energy sector and safety
The innovative technique applied not only accelerates timelines, but transforms the construction process. The Jinhua plant, with a planned capacity of 1.2 gigawatts, will see its development substantially optimized 🚀.
Direct impacts of the new methodology:- Greater safety: Reduces the time personnel must operate directly at the excavation face, minimizing risks.
- Operational efficiency: Improves the overall productivity of the infrastructure project.
- Grid integration: The project is part of a national strategy to expand energy storage capacity and balance the electricity grid, integrating more renewable sources.
A step toward the future of energy storage
This record shaft is more than an engineering feat; it is a vital component in China's energy transition. By facilitating the development of pumped storage plants, China seeks to better manage demand peaks and store excess generated energy. The project underscores how innovation in infrastructure construction can drive broader and more ambitious energy goals ⚡.