Overview
Gansu Taolai River Dongshuixia is a 52 MW hydroelectric power plant located on the Taolai River in Gansu, China. It is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Gansu Taolai River Dongshuixia is a hydroelectric power plant situated on the Taolai River in Gansu Province, China. With a capacity of 52 MW, it represents a medium-scale hydropower facility that supports the local grid with renewable energy. The plant is currently operational and plays a role in China's expanding hydropower sector. As a hydroelectric facility, it operates without direct fuel combustion, resulting in minimal emissions of CO2, SOx, and NOx compared to fossil fuel plants. The technology typically involves a dam or run-of-river system to harness the kinetic energy of flowing water. In China, hydropower projects are subject to national environmental regulations, including the Water Law and Environmental Impact Assessment Law, which govern water resource use and ecological protection. The plant's location on the Taolai River in the Hexi Corridor region provides a reliable water source for power generation. Its output contributes to the local energy mix, reducing reliance on coal-fired power and supporting China's goals for renewable energy integration. The facility serves the surrounding communities and industries, enhancing energy security in Gansu Province.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, Gansu Taolai River Dongshuixia has a low carbon footprint but may affect local aquatic ecosystems and river flow regimes. The facility's operation can alter downstream water availability and sediment transport, potentially impacting fish habitats and riparian vegetation. In the arid Hexi Corridor region, water resource management is critical, and the plant must balance power generation with ecological flow requirements. Typical hydropower projects in Gansu are located in mountainous regions with limited direct human impact.
Frequently asked questions
Gansu Taolai River Dongshuixia is located on the Taolai River in Gansu Province, China, at coordinates 39.4572° N, 98.0217° E.
The plant has a capacity of 52 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale hydroelectric facility.
It is a hydroelectric power plant that generates electricity by harnessing the flow of the Taolai River.
Hydroelectric plants in China must comply with the Water Law and Environmental Impact Assessment 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 targets for increasing the share of non-fossil fuels in the energy mix.