Chinese engineers Thursday began to install the first generator unit at the Three Gorges Hydropower Plant on the Yangtze River.

   It will be the world's largest hydropower plant upon completion.

   The move has laid a solid foundation for the operation of the first generator unit in 2003, engineers said.

   With a total installed capacity of 18.2 million kilowatts, the Three Gorges power plant will be able to generate 84.68 kilowatt hours of electricity when it is fully operational.

   The power plant will have 26 generator units, each with a capacity of 700,000 kilowatts. They are being manufactured in 17 factories in eight countries. 

   According to the construction plan, the first two sets of generators will produce electricity in October 2003.