Overview
Gansu Yumen Yueliangwan Second Cascade is a 17 MW hydroelectric power plant in Gansu, China. It operates as a run-of-river facility, contributing to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Gansu Yumen Yueliangwan Second Cascade is a hydroelectric power plant located in Gansu Province, China, near the city of Yumen. With a capacity of 17 MW, it is a small-scale facility within China's vast hydropower sector, which is the largest in the world. The plant is operational and plays a role in supplying clean electricity 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. The facility likely operates under China's national renewable energy policies, which promote hydropower as a key component of the energy mix. Small-scale hydro plants in this region often use run-of-river designs to minimize environmental impact. The plant contributes to Gansu's energy security and supports China's goals for increasing renewable energy penetration. Its location in a semi-arid region means water availability may be a factor in its operation, but it provides a stable power supply to nearby communities and industries. The facility's environmental footprint is relatively low compared to fossil fuel plants, aligning with global trends toward sustainable power generation.
Environmental context
The plant's hydroelectric nature means it produces no direct air emissions, but its environmental impact depends on water management and local ecology. In Gansu's arid climate, water use for power generation must balance with agricultural and municipal needs. The facility likely adheres to China's Water Law and environmental impact assessment requirements, which mandate measures to protect aquatic habitats and maintain downstream flows.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Gansu Province, China, near the city of Yumen, at coordinates 39.88° N, 96.83° E.
The plant has a capacity of 17 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
It is a hydroelectric power plant, generating electricity from flowing water without combustion.
Hydroelectric plants in China must comply with the Water Law, Renewable Energy Law, and environmental impact assessment regulations, which govern water usage, ecological protection, and grid integration.
As a renewable energy source, it provides low-carbon electricity to the Gansu grid, supporting China's transition to cleaner power and reducing reliance on coal.