Overview
Gansu Tanchang County Shawan is a 51 MW hydroelectric power plant in Gansu, China. It is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Gansu Tanchang County Shawan is a hydroelectric power plant located in Gansu Province, China. With a capacity of 51 MW, it is a small- to medium-scale facility within China's vast hydroelectric sector. The plant is operational and plays a role in the local power grid. Hydroelectric power plants like this one convert the energy of flowing water into electricity. In China, hydropower is a key component of the national energy mix, supported by policies promoting renewable energy. The plant's technology and efficiency are typical for run-of-river or reservoir-based hydro projects in the region. The facility contributes to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supports China's goals for carbon neutrality. Its location in Gansu, a province with significant hydropower resources, underscores its role in regional energy security and sustainable development.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, but can impact local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The plant's capacity of 51 MW suggests a moderate scale, with potential effects on river habitats and sediment transport. Proximity to populated areas may influence local water management and flood control.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Gansu Province, China, near Tanchang County. Its coordinates are approximately 33.62°N, 104.55°E.
The plant has a capacity of 51 megawatts (MW), making it a small- to medium-scale hydroelectric facility.
It is a hydroelectric power plant, which generates electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water.
Hydroelectric plants in China must comply with national environmental impact assessment laws, water resource management regulations, and ecological flow requirements to minimize impacts on river ecosystems.
Hydropower is a key renewable energy source in China, supporting the country's targets for carbon neutrality and reducing reliance on coal-fired generation.