Latest news with #PowerChina
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
PowerChina launches marine conservation campaign in the UAE
In celebration of the 17th World Oceans Day and the 18th National Ocean Awareness Day, Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) launched On June 13 a marine conservation initiative under the theme 'Protect One Coral, Safeguard the Blue Ocean.' The event was held at the Hassyan Desalination Project site in Dubai and organized by PowerChina Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Headquarters in collaboration with Shandong Electric Power Construction Third Engineering Co. (SEPCO III), AZRAQ (a UAE-based marine conservation NGO), ACWA Power (project developer), and SIDEM (EPC consortium partner). More than 40 volunteers from China and the UAE participated in the initiative. Among the attendees were Li Junqi, Deputy General Manager of PowerChina MENA, Song Shiying, Project Director of ACWA Power Hassyan Project, and Olivier Rio, Site Manager from SIDEM. Opening the event, Hong Li, PowerChina's UAE country representative, extended her gratitude to all volunteers for their enthusiastic participation. She emphasized the importance of this month—marked by World Environment Day and Ocean-themed awareness days—as an opportunity to raise public consciousness about marine ecosystems and coral reef protection. She noted PowerChina's ongoing contribution to local development through power, renewable energy, desalination, and infrastructure projects, while also upholding its ESG commitments and corporate social responsibility through continuous environmental initiatives. During the event, volunteers watched educational videos on marine protection and coral cultivation, gaining a vivid understanding of the richness and vulnerability of marine ecosystems. Experts from AZRAQ delivered a compelling lecture on marine conservation, plastic pollution, and the critical role red corals play in maintaining ecological balance. The session sparked active engagement from participants, who asked insightful questions such as: 'How are corals planted?', 'Why are there no corals near the Hassyan site?', and 'What temperature is optimal for coral growth?' The expert responses deepened the volunteers' scientific knowledge and environmental awareness. A highlight of the event was the launch of the 'I Adopt a Red Coral' campaign. Representatives from PowerChina, ACWA Power, and SIDEM named individual coral colonies, symbolizing hope and ecological rebirth. Li Junqi and Song Shiying jointly read and signed a Marine Protection Pledge, reaffirming their shared commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Volunteers also signed a 'Marine Protection Pledge' poster in solidarity. Following the ceremony, volunteers headed to the shoreline near the project site and the Jebel Ali Wetland Reserve. Guided by environmental experts, they carried out a coastal clean-up, removing harmful plastic waste and debris from a 6,000 square meter stretch of beach. Li Junqi, vice president of Power China Mena, said: 'We actively take measures to keep the seawater clean. When we procure the materials for the project, we ensure that no harmful materials are released into the environment. During the construction of the project we will keep our activities away from the sea, so that the corals are not harmed.' This initiative not only strengthened PowerChina's cooperation with UAE environmental organizations but also underscored the company's alignment with the China-UAE partnership and the UAE's energy transition goals. PowerChina remains dedicated to fulfilling its responsibilities as a central SOE by promoting ecological values and advancing its global green development narrative. 'We will update our activities, to clean the seaside. We want more persons to realize the importance of the environment,' Li Junqi said.
The Star
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Feature: Chinese-built hydropower projects foster talent development in Cote d'Ivoire
by Xinhua writers Sun Yi, Zhang Jian ABIDJAN, June 7 (Xinhua) -- As the rainy season settles over southwestern Cote d'Ivoire, the Sassandra River swells with renewed vigor. In the early morning mist, workers in uniforms and hard hats move with purpose through the Gribo-Popoli Hydroelectric Power Plant, inspecting spillways, monitoring water levels, and checking equipment. Among them is 32-year-old Bassirou Konate, a quality inspector who began his career nearly a decade ago. "When I first joined the Chinese-built hydropower project, I could barely read the blueprints," Konate recalled. "But a Chinese mentor was assigned to me. Step by step, he taught me everything." Konate began his career in 2016 at the Soubre Hydroelectric Power Plant, a project also built by the Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina). Since then, he has contributed to several major infrastructure initiatives and become a key member of the team building the Gribo-Popoli hydropower plant. "What I learned in school was theory," he said. "It was these projects that gave me hands-on experience. Now, I can support my family. I see a future not only for myself but for my community." Situated on one of Cote d'Ivoire's major rivers, the Gribo-Popoli station is part of a series of hydropower projects. The Sassandra River, with its abundant flow and favorable elevation gradients, holds vast potential for renewable energy. After completing the Soubre Hydroelectric Power Plant in 2017, PowerChina saw all three generating units at Gribo-Popoli come online by November 2024, unlocking even more hydropower capacity for the country. Yet, the energy these projects generate extends beyond electricity -- it is also empowering the growth of local talent. Dozens of Ivorian workers who began their careers at Soubre, like Konate, have since stepped into critical roles at Gribo-Popoli as quality inspectors, technicians, and supervisors. Their growing expertise is powering a new chapter in national infrastructure, one driven not just by machines, but by the skilled hands of local professionals. Hou Bing, chief engineer of the Gribo-Popoli Hydroelectric Power Plant, said the project created roughly 2,000 direct jobs during its construction phase and supported an additional 1,000 through related industries. "These projects are more than worksites. They are schools, places where Ivorian workers gain skill and confidence," Hou noted. "Knowledge is passed on along with the trust between our peoples. Together, we are building not only dams but bridges of friendship." Yao Michel N'Guessan's story mirrors that of Konate. Fresh out of school when he joined the Soubre project, N'Guessan began with little more than textbook knowledge. "Chinese engineers taught me how to install and maintain electrical systems," he said. Through on-the-job training, he steadily mastered the complexities of construction. Today, he leads a construction team at Gribo-Popoli. "What I gained from my Chinese mentors wasn't just skills," he said. "They taught me discipline, responsibility, and precision. We're not just workers anymore. We're nation-builders." As night falls, lights flicker on across the Gribo-Popoli Hydroelectric Power Plant, casting a warm glow over the Sassandra River. The dam and power station stand not only as engineering feats but as enduring symbols of partnership between China and Cote d'Ivoire.
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Iraq signs agreement with Power China International to boost power grid
Iraq's Ministry of Electricity has signed a strategic agreement with Power China International to implement key critical electricity transmission and distribution projects under the broader Iraq-China cooperation framework. A ministry statement published by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) said the agreement covers the preparation of feasibility studies, technical planning, design, supply and implementation. The Ministry said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the government to stabilise and enhance the efficiency of the national power grid to meet growing electricity demand across the country. (Writing by Majda Muhsen; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's OQ issues go-ahead for 300 MW renewable projects, signs $2bln strategic deals
Oman's state energy company OQ on Monday announced the full notice to proceed (NTP) on the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for three renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 300 megawatts (MW). The go-ahead forms part of 13 agreements worth more than $2 billion announced by OQ at Oman Sustainability Week 2025 in Muscat. The notice to proceed was issued to a consortium comprising France's TotalEnergies and OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE), with Power China as the EPC contractor. The projects include the 100 MW North Solar plant in Saih Nihaydah in northern Oman, and two 100 MW wind farms—Riyah-1 and Riyah-2—located in the Amin and West Nimr fields in the south. In December 2024, Total Energies had announced that it has entered into a 49:51 partnership deal with OQAE for the three projects. The electricity generated - estimated at 1.4 terawatt-hours annually – will be delivered to Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). The French energy giant had said construction would begin in early 2025, with operations starting in late 2026 Other agreements related to the three projects included: Transformer procurement agreement for the three projects by TotalEnergies, OQAE, Power China with Oman-based Voltamp. The agreement will deliver In-Country Value (ICV). Wind turbine procurement agreement with China's Goldwind by TotalEnergies, OQAE, Power China for Riyah 1 and 2 wind projects Financing agreements for Riyah 1 and 2 with Bank Muscat and Al Ahli Bank by TotalEnergies and OQAE PV panels procurement pact with China's Longi by TotalEnergies, OQAE and Power China Financing agreement for North Solar with Bank Muscat by TotalEnergies and OQAE. OQAE also signed initial agreements for new renewable energy projects: Joint Development Agreement (JDA) between OQAE and United Solar for a 700 MW renewable energy project to power Sohar Polysilicon Plant JDA between OQAE and Jindal Renewables for a 500MW project to provide renewable energy for Jindal plants in Suhar and Duqm Heads of Agreement between OQAE and Oxy Zero In for a 140MW renewable energy project in Block 09 Heads of Agreement between OQAE and Vale for a 105MW renewable energy project for Vale's facilities in Oman Strategic collaboration agreement between OQ and Mistubishi Heavy Industries for Energy Innovation. OQ said these strategic partnerships will accelerate Oman's energy transition and net-zero ambitions, unlocking sustainable growth while strengthening economic diversification and cementing its leadership in green energy. (Writing by Deva Palanisamy; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
The Tallest Dam in the World Begins Storing Water
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station in China's Sichuan province is set to become the tallest dam in the world. The project officially entered its final stage on May 1, when water storage began at the site. Standing 315 meters tall once fully completed, the dam surpasses the current world record holder, the Jinping-I Dam, by just 10 meters. It is designed to generate 2,000 megawatts of electricity annually, which is enough to power over three million homes. The Context For the last decade, China has been building infrastructure that reduces reliance on coal. Once operational, Chinese authorities claim the Shuangjiangkou Dam will offset nearly 3 million tons of coal consumption annually, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 7 million tons. Like many other parts of the country's core infrastructure, the dam will be state-owned, and managed by the Power Construction Corporation of China, also known as PowerChina. What To Know The Shuangjiangkou project began construction in 2015 and is located along the upper reaches of the Dadu River, which flows from the Tibetan Plateau into the Sichuan Basin. PowerChina claims it will be able to generate over 7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, with construction so far costing ¥36 billion, the equivalent of almost $5 billion. The construction location, which is over 2,400 meters above sea level, sees constant seismic activity, which has slowed construction at times. During the initial water storage phase, the water level had been raised to 2,344 meters, approximately 80 meters above the original river height. Full commissioning is expected by the end of 2025. Images of the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station published on May 3, 2025. Images of the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station published on May 3, 2025. China Railway Construction Corporation China has nearly half of all dams taller than 15 meters. The current tallest dam in the world, the Jinping-I Dam, is in the same region of China and stands at 305 meters tall. The second tallest, the Nurek Dam, is in Tajikistan, but the third, fourth, fifth and sixth tallest are all also in China, two of which, the Lianghekou Dam and Baihetan Dam, were built within the last decade. What People Are Saying In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, the China Railway Construction Corporation said: "On May 1st, the world's tallest dam, the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station in Sichuan Province, constructed by the China Railway Construction Corporation, completed its first water impoundment. Once fully operational, it will generate 7.7 billion kWh of electricity annually." What Happens Next The Shuangjiangkou Dam's first unit will start generating electricity by the end of 2025. Once fully operational, its 2,000 MW output will link into the rest of the Sichuan region's hydropower grid.
