Imagine to move a 32 -ton steel piece by a mountain road, fit it in a rock excavated and fix it with a tolerance of just a few millimeters. That is the challenge that China has just assumed in the Tibet (Xizang): mount the turbine IMPULSE more powerful ever built. A month ago we already counted how this machine was designed and how it was transferred to a remote enclave. Now it starts the really difficult: the assembly, with gigantic cranes, digital simulations and millimeter precision in a confined space.
The first major component is already in place. As Global Times collectsthe assembly began with a key piece: a section of the water distribution ring, the structure that will channel the flow to the turbine. The installed section weighs 32.1 tons, is 3.1 m in diameter and 95 mm thick wall, and was placed with millimeter precision in the machine pit by a 400 -ton crane. That first lace marks the formal start of the installation and opens the nucleus nucleus assembly phase.
A giant turbine, designed with watchmaking precision. The turbine of Datang Zala project It is an impulse unit of 500 MW – the most powerful of its kind. According to Xinhuahas been developed entirely in China by Harbin Electric Machinery. Integrate 21 hydraulic “spoons”, 6.23 m of outer diameter, 1.34 m thick and about 80 tons of weight.
Altitude, space and steel. Move and fit each element in a large -altitude cannon forces fragment structures. The distribution ring (28 m × 25.2 m × 4 m) sE divided into 13 sections for transport and assembly. The equipment uses BIM/3D modeling, 1: 1 scale models in the highlands and a welding process with high strength steel developed with universities, to reduce maneuvers and ensure structural integrity.


A key piece in the country’s energy strategy. Datang Zala is Tibet’s first hydroelectric project at 1 million kW leveland will be integrated as a relevant node of the network in western China. Its construction seeks to strengthen the renewable energy offer in the region and integrate a complex geographical area into the national system.
Official data indicate that China adds More than 94,000 dams and 436 GW of installed hydroelectric capacity. The annual generation is 1.42 billion kwh, 57% of all its renewable production. Datang Zala fits that pattern: large infrastructure to ensure supply, reduce coal and stabilize the system with managerly hydraulics.
Much work ahead. The installation of the turbine is only part of the process. Critical components, hydraulic connections and height operating tests are still missing. It is expected to start working in 2028. Of course, assembly and rehearsals will continue during the next months, and any deviation can delay the schedule.
Images | Dongfang Electric | Datang Xizang Energy Development
In Xataka | In Europe, gas and disused coal plants have unexpected suitors: technology companies
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings