Three Gorges shore power usage hits new record

By Chen Si

As of 2025, cumulative shore power usage in the Three Gorges Dam Shore Power Experimental Zone has exceeded 50 million kWh, with 11.3 million kWh consumed in 2025 alone. This marks the third consecutive year that annual usage in the zone has surpassed the 10 million kWh mark.

Shore power allows ships to connect to the local electricity grid while at port, instead of running diesel engines to generate electricity. This can significantly reduce emissions from vessels, contributing to cleaner air and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

Using 50 million kWh of clean electricity can replace approximately 12,000 tons of fuel oil and reduce various pollutant emissions by around 37,000 tons.

Now, in the Three Gorges Dam area, shutting down diesel generators and connecting to shore power have become standard practice for ship crews waiting to pass through the locks.

To enable more vessels to enjoy the benefits of shore power, the Yangtze River Three Gorges Navigation Authority has worked with shore power operating companies to upgrade facilities and optimize the placement of shore power charging stations.

In addition, they have installed four new sets of shore power facilities at the Xianrenqiao docking area, further strengthening the regional shore power supply network. They have also upgraded auxiliary devices of two sets of shore power equipment in the same area and renovated six sets of facilities in the Yangtze River Three Gorges comprehensive navigation service area.

To date, the utilization rate of shore power stations in the experimental zone has exceeded 98 percent.

Li Yue and Li Zhiqi also contributed to this story