Huangpu Power Station

In the heart of Guangzhou, humming with the energy of a modern metropolis, stands the Yuehua Huangpu Power Station. A testament to China’s evolving energy landscape, the Huangpu Power Station isn’t just a place of power generation, it’s a story of transformation. The site has witnessed the shift from oil and coal to cleaner natural gas, mirroring China’s push towards a greener future. Initially, the Huangpu Power Station housed four 125MW oil-fired units, completed in the 1980s. These were later retired between 2008 and 2009. Two coal-fired units, Units 5 and 6, each with a capacity of 300 MW, were added in 1989 and 1990, respectively. They even received a capacity boost to 330 MW each in 2015. Yet, their time was also limited, with Unit 5 retiring in December 2019 and Unit 6 following in November 2020. The transition began in earnest with the approval of a natural gas combined heat and power generation project in 2013. Unit 1, fueled by natural gas, came online in December 2019, and Unit 2 successfully completed its trial run in February 2020. Both units boast a capacity of 423 MW and utilize combined cycle technology. The transformation continued with Unit 3, also a natural gas-fired combined cycle unit. This 667 MW giant received approval in January 2022, began construction at the end of 2021, and connected to the grid in October 2023. It signifies the replacement of the old coal-fired infrastructure. Owned by Guangdong Yuehua Power Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Guangdong Electric Power Development Co Ltd and China Huaneng Group Co Ltd, the Huangpu Power Station exemplifies the complexities of China’s energy sector. It’s a dance between economic growth and environmental responsibility, a story still being written within the vibrant city of Guangzhou.