In the first quarter of this year, CYPC executed lean management over the cascade hydropower plants, collectively known as one of the pillars of China as a great power. With the guidance and support of the State Grid, China Southern Power Grid, MWR CWRC and other authorities, the six cascade hydropower plants, i.e., Wudongde, Baihetan, Xiluodu, Xiangjiaba, Three Gorges, and Gezhouba stations, has effectively carried out their functions of replenishing water, generating power and protecting eco-environment.

Replenishing water in fighting drought. Full play has been given to the water-replenishing role of cascade reservoirs. During the first quarter, a total of 24 billion cubic meters of water, approximately 1,700 times the amount of water in the West Lake, has been supplied to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, representing about 30% year-on-year growth. This has contributed to the steady preparation for the spring plough in those regions.

Ensuring power supplies. In response to extreme weather such as multiple cold snaps and sleets, CYPC has taken solid steps to ensure power supplies by continuing to strengthen hydrological and meteorological forecasts, keeping track of the grid loads of the power distribution areas and the operations and storage of upstream reservoirs, and constantly updating the operation plan for the cascade reservoirs. By March 31, with a total of 52.7 TWh of electricity had been generated by the cascade hydropower plants, effectively fulfilling its role of ensuring power supplies.

Carrying out ecological operations. CYPC has successfully carried out selective water withdrawal tests with stop log gate dropping at Wudongde, Baihetan and Xiluodu HPPs by taking concerted efforts to meet the needs of grid loads and the needs for ecological operation and control. By doing so, suitable water temperature ranges for fish spawning has been ensured. Simultaneously, CYPC has made steady progress in ecological operation trials with baseload power generation at Wudongde and Baihetan HPPs. Changes to water levels during the trials have been restricted to stay within 1.87 and 1.35 meters respectively, which creates favorable conditions for fish to spawn and breed.