Chinese company wins contract to build big-data systems in Cambodia

A core technology behind China's first large-scale pumped-storage AI data analysis platform has secured a contract to build big-data systems for two major hydropower stations in Cambodia, China Southern Power Grid said.

The bid marks the overseas application of China's achievements in AI application in pumped storage, helping facilitate industrial technology cooperation in hydropower infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative, said the company.

According to the project details, China Southern Power Grid Energy Storage Co and Cambodian Upper Tatay Hydropower Co will jointly develop the big data analysis systems for the Tatay and Upper Tatay hydropower stations.

Both Cambodian hydropower stations, seen as landmark hydropower projects in China's efforts to advance the Belt and Road Initiative, were invested in and constructed by China National Heavy Machinery Corporation.

By adapting and applying China's independently developed pumped storage AI data analysis technology, the project aims to transform the equipment management of the two hydropower stations from traditional offline manual management to online intelligent management.

The big data analysis system was officially put into large-scale application in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, in 2023.

The system, which enables maintenance personnel to conduct real-time check-ups without needing to be physically present on stations, successfully integrated data from over 400,000 pieces of equipment across seven pumped storage power stations in South China.

The system will be operational at the two hydropower stations by mid-2027, according to Li Jianhui, general manager of Guangzhou Qiming Intelligent Energy Technology Co, a subsidiary of China Southern Power Grid Energy Storage Co.

"It will significantly enhance the operational level of the power station equipment and contribute Chinese expertise to the stable power supply and green, low-carbon energy development in Cambodia," said Li.