POWERCHINA-built hydropower plant in Honduras generates power

Built by POWERCHINA, the Patuca III Hydropower Plant in Honduras was successfully connected to the national grid on Dec 20, marking its full completion.

It is the country's biggest hydroelectric power plant in 30 years and is the largest infrastructure construction project being implemented in the country. It is also the first time that China has undertaken a Chinese-funded project in a country that has not yet established diplomatic relations.

The Patuca III Hydropower Plant in Honduras is successfully connected to the national grid on Dec 20. [Photo/POWERCHINA]

Designed by Guiyang Engineering Corporation Limited and constructed by Sinohydro Bureau 11 Co -- both subsidiaries of POWERCHINA -- the project included a dam, powerhouse and two 52-megawatt turbine generators, as well as substations and the erection of a 43-kilometer dual-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line.

The average annual power generation of the hydroelectric power plant is expected to come in at 326 gigawatt hours, providing 4 percent of the country's power.

This will further alleviate national power shortages and contribute to the economic development of Honduras.