Overview
Baihetan Dam is a 13,050 MW hydroelectric power plant in China, one of the world's largest hydropower facilities. It plays a critical role in China's renewable energy grid.
Baihetan Dam is a massive hydroelectric power plant located in China, with an installed capacity of 13,050 MW, making it one of the largest hydropower stations globally. The facility is operational and contributes significantly to China's renewable energy portfolio, supporting the country's transition to low-carbon power generation. As a hydroelectric plant, Baihetan Dam utilizes the flow of the Jinsha River to generate electricity without direct fuel combustion, resulting in minimal air emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. The technology involves large turbines driven by water pressure, and the plant's scale places it in the ultra-large category for hydropower. China's regulatory framework for hydropower includes environmental impact assessments and water resource management under the Water Law and the Renewable Energy Law. The environmental significance of Baihetan Dam lies in its displacement of coal-fired generation, reducing CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions. However, large dams can alter local ecosystems and river sediment flows. The plant's location in a mountainous region of Sichuan/Yunnan border involves careful management of biodiversity and community resettlement. Baihetan Dam is a cornerstone of China's clean energy strategy, providing stable power to the grid and supporting regional development.
Environmental context
The Baihetan Dam is situated on the Jinsha River in a mountainous region of southwestern China. The area is characterized by steep terrain and rich biodiversity. As a large hydroelectric facility, it avoids direct air emissions from fossil fuels, but the reservoir and dam can affect local aquatic habitats and sediment transport. The plant's operation aligns with China's goals to increase renewable energy share and reduce carbon intensity, though it requires ongoing environmental monitoring to mitigate ecological impacts.
Frequently asked questions
Baihetan Dam is located on the Jinsha River in China, straddling the border between Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.
Baihetan Dam has an installed capacity of 13,050 megawatts (MW), making it one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world.
Baihetan Dam generates electricity by harnessing the flow of the Jinsha River. Water passes through turbines, spinning generators to produce electricity without burning fuel.
Hydroelectric plants in China must comply with the Water Law and the Renewable Energy Law, which require environmental impact assessments, water resource management, and measures to protect ecosystems and local communities.
Baihetan Dam provides a large, stable source of renewable electricity to China's grid, helping to reduce reliance on coal-fired power and supporting the country's climate goals.