Overview
Gansu Huangshui Baichuan is a 36 MW hydroelectric power plant located in China. It harnesses the Huangshui River to generate renewable electricity for the regional grid.
Gansu Huangshui Baichuan is a hydroelectric power plant operating in China, with a capacity of 36 MW. The facility is situated along the Huangshui River, a tributary of the Yellow River, in Gansu Province. As a run-of-river or reservoir-based hydro plant, it contributes to China's renewable energy portfolio. The plant operates under China's national regulations for hydropower, including the Renewable Energy Law and environmental impact assessment requirements. Hydroelectric plants of this scale are common in China's western regions, where mountainous terrain and river systems provide suitable conditions. The technology typically involves turbines driven by water flow, with minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation. This facility supports local energy needs by providing clean electricity to the grid, reducing reliance on coal-fired generation. Its operation aligns with China's goals to increase non-fossil fuel energy sources. The plant's location in Gansu Province, a region with significant hydropower potential, underscores its role in regional energy security and environmental sustainability.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, Gansu Huangshui Baichuan produces electricity without direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, offering a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuel plants. However, hydropower can affect local aquatic ecosystems through altered water flow and habitat fragmentation. The facility's capacity of 36 MW is relatively small, which may limit its ecological footprint compared to larger dams. The plant's location in a river system requires careful management to balance power generation with downstream water needs and biodiversity conservation.
Frequently asked questions
Gansu Huangshui Baichuan is located in Gansu Province, China, along the Huangshui River. Its coordinates are approximately 36.1175° N, 102.8306° E.
The plant has a capacity of 36 megawatts (MW), making it a small to medium-sized hydroelectric facility.
It is a hydroelectric power plant, which generates electricity by harnessing the flow of water from the Huangshui River.
Hydroelectric plants in China must comply with the Renewable Energy Law, which promotes clean energy, and undergo environmental impact assessments. They also follow national standards for water resource management and grid integration.
As a renewable energy source, it produces electricity without direct carbon emissions, helping to reduce reliance on coal-fired power and supporting China's climate goals.