The Tibet Autonomous Region has made marked progress in developing its power industry since its peaceful liberation in 1951.
Statistics show that currently, the region has 401 power stations, with a combined installed capacity of 356,200 kilowatts. These power stations generate 661 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
Tibet only had a small power station with a capacity of 125 kilowatts before the peaceful liberation. The power station used to serve only the ruling class at that time.
According to statistics, Tibet invested 6.658 billion yuan (802 million US dollars) in constructing power stations and water conservation facilities in 2000, up 17.6 percent from the previous year.
The total capacity of the region's solar power stations is more than 2,000 kilowatts, with the largest station having a generating capacity of 100 kilowatts.
The region has put over 85,000 square meters of solar water heaters in use, as well as 91,000 solar cooking ranges and large groups of solar heating houses and shelters.
(People's Daily 05/21/2001)
