A technical worker checks the status of the new 2,000 MW power plant being operated by Shandong Energy Group Inner Mongolia Shenglu Electric Power in Ordos. [Photo/ykjt.cn]

A 2,000 megawatt coal power station, operated by Shandong Energy Group Inner Mongolia Shenglu Electric Power Co, in Shanghaimiao Economic Development Zone in Ordos city in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region started operating recently and was successfully connected to the national power grid, according to local officials.

They said it marked the point when the power plant had entered a trial operation period. 

The power station is a key project for transmitting electricity from Inner Mongolia autonomous region to East China’s Shandong province, said Wang Yalun, general manager of Shandong Energy Group Inner Mongolia Shenglu Electric Power Co.

"When the unit is fully put into operation, it will transmit 11 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to Shandong every year," Wang added.

In the past, energy supplies between Inner Mongolia and Shandong were in the form of physically shipping coal, instead of transmitting electricity, which officials said caused more pollution and coal losses during the transportation.

Officials said the operation of the new power plant in Ordos city, it will reduce coal consumption in Shandong by about 5.5 million metric tons per year and reduce sulfur dioxide emissions there by about 3,500 tons per year.

Technicians applaud the start-up of the new power plant. [Photo/ykjt.cn]