Otis Maintains and Upgrades Elevators at China’s Highest Hydropower Plants

Otis has been awarded the contract to maintain 34 elevators at several hydropower plants along Yalong River in China – a part of the country’s hydropower plant network in western China that is among the largest in the world.

A number of hydropower plants in remote and inaccessible locations along Yalong River are vital to reliable low-carbon power generation in western China. Even routine maintenance is challenging in the harsh conditions and remote location of these facilities, but Otis China showed it is up to the task. At Lianghekou Hydropower Plant, for example, Otis mechanics work in rotating shifts to ensure someone is available for any immediate repairs around the clock. This ensures vital elevator systems are always operational.

Lianghekou is China’s highest mega hydropower plant and the largest reservoir-based power plant in Sichuan Province. Opened in 2021, it has 17 elevators, including seven Otis units, of which two are high-rise elevators. Providing outstanding service to the Otis elevators under warranty, Otis was awarded the maintenance contract for the non-Otis systems, as well.

Located on the lower reaches of the Yalong River, the spectacular Ertan Hydropower Plant was the tallest arch dam in Asia and the largest power plant in China when it was completed in 2000 after a ten-year construction period. Its remote, mountainous location makes upgrading and maintaining equipment very difficult. With a strong performance track record and noted expertise, Otis has been chosen to modernize two elevators at the plant, installing Otis Skyrise® elevators to boost carrying capacity and efficiency.