China Southern Power Grid (CSG) is accelerating a massive expansion of its hydropower portfolio, with plans to build eight new pumped-storage stations that are expected to trigger approximately 130 billion yuan ($18.1 billion) in total industrial investment.

The State-owned utility's initiative comes as China enters its 15th Five-Year Plan period, aligning with national goals to stabilize economic growth and modernize the power grid.

The total project pipeline represents 9.6 gigawatts (GW) of capacity and a direct investment of 65 billion yuan. These facilities will primarily be distributed across southern parts of China, with four stations planned for South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, three for Guangdong province, and one for Yunnan province to support regional energy optimization.

Beyond serving as a pillar for national energy security, the investment serves as a significant economic engine for local communities, it said.