World’s Largest Pelton Turbine Rotor Installed at Zala Hydropower Station in Xizang

According to China Central Television News, the world’s largest pelton turbine rotor has been successfully hoisted into place at the Datang Zala Hydropower Station on 11 August. The milestone installation confirms China’s leading technological capabilities in the research, manufacturing and construction of high-head and large-capacity pelton hydropower equipment, supporting the accelerated development of the clean energy base in south-eastern Xizang.

As the core power conversion component of generating units, the rotor serves as the central operational component of the entire hydropower system. The rotor installed at the site weighs 840 tonnes, and its successful positioning moves the project into the final construction phase ahead of official commissioning.

The Datang Zala Hydropower Station functions as a key backbone project for China’s west-to-east power transmission initiative from Xizang and a core power source for the integrated wind, solar and hydropower clean energy base planned for south-eastern Xizang under the national development framework.

Once fully operational, the station will deliver nearly four billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity generated on the highland every year. The operational output will help save 1.3 million tonnes of standard coal and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 3.42 million tonnes annually. The clean energy output will continuously empower regional industrial upgrading and ecological development across local areas.

Construction teams will carry out follow-up mechanical calibration, auxiliary system installation and comprehensive commissioning work. Advanced high-altitude hydropower technologies adopted by the project will continue to be verified through systematic operational tests, laying a solid foundation for the stable and efficient commercial operation of the station.