The fourth generating unit of the Dachaoshan hydroelectric power plant, a key project in China's west-to-east power transmission scheme, has gone into operation.

The power plant, in the country's southwestern Yunnan province, is the second of the eight hydroelectric plants China had mapped out on the middle and lower reaches of the Lancang River, the upstream tributary of the Mekong river.

The construction of the plant started in August 1997 with an estimated investment of 8.87 billion yuan (US$1.06 billion). The plant is designed to have six generating units with a combined designed capacity of 1.35 million kilowatts upon completion.

The first generating units went into operation in December 2001. Under the annual plan, three more generating units would be completed this year. The last two generating units are scheduled to be installed in 2003.

The hydropower plant has generated 2.68 billion kw/h of electricity to date, exceeding its annual quota, a plant official said.

The power plant is being financed and managed by the Yunnan Dachaoshan Hydropower Plant Co., Ltd., a joint venture involving the State Development Investment Corporation, Yunnan Hongta Industrial Co., Ltd., Yunnan Development Investment Corporation and other related units.

(Xinhua News Agency December 5, 2002)