Overview
Chayuan First Cascade Hydroelectric is a 15 MW hydroelectric power plant in China. It is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Chayuan First Cascade Hydroelectric is a hydroelectric power plant located in China, with coordinates 28.6969° N, 102.4475° E. The facility has a capacity of 15 megawatts (MW), placing it in the small-scale category for hydroelectric power generation. It is currently operational, providing clean energy to the local grid. As a hydroelectric plant, it utilizes the flow of water to generate electricity without direct fuel combustion, resulting in low carbon emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. In China, hydroelectric projects are subject to national environmental regulations, including the Environmental Impact Assessment Law and the Water Law, which govern water resource use and ecological protection. The plant's technology is typical for run-of-river or small reservoir hydroelectric systems common in mountainous regions. The plant plays a role in supporting China's renewable energy targets and reducing reliance on coal-fired power. Its location in a mountainous area suggests it may serve local communities or contribute to regional grid stability. The facility's small capacity indicates it likely serves a localized area, providing sustainable power with minimal air pollutant emissions.
Environmental context
The plant's hydroelectric nature means it has a low carbon footprint and does not emit SOx, NOx, or CO2 during operation. However, hydroelectric projects can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The facility's location in a mountainous region may involve considerations for sediment transport and fish passage. Its small capacity (15 MW) limits the scale of potential environmental impact compared to large dams.
Frequently asked questions
Chayuan First Cascade Hydroelectric is located in China at coordinates 28.6969° N, 102.4475° E.
It is a hydroelectric power plant that generates electricity using the flow of water.
The plant has a capacity of 15 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
Hydroelectric plants in China must comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment Law and the Water Law, which require assessments of ecological impacts and water resource management.
As a renewable energy source, it helps reduce reliance on coal-fired power and supports China's goals for increasing clean energy capacity.