Overview
Gelantan Dam is a 390 MW hydroelectric power plant in Yunnan, China, operated by Yunnan Datang International Lixianjiang River Basin Hydropower Development Co Ltd. It is currently operational.
Gelantan Dam is a hydroelectric power plant located in Yunnan Province, China, with an installed capacity of 390 MW. The facility is owned and operated by Yunnan Datang International Lixianjiang River Basin Hydropower Development Co Ltd, and it is currently in operational status. As a medium-scale hydroelectric facility, it contributes to China's renewable energy portfolio. The plant operates under China's national regulatory framework for hydropower, which includes environmental impact assessments and water resource management requirements. Hydroelectric power generation in Yunnan benefits from the region's mountainous terrain and abundant water resources, supporting a significant share of the province's electricity supply. The technology employed is typical for run-of-river or reservoir-based hydropower, with turbines driven by water flow. Environmentally, Gelantan Dam provides low-carbon electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, large hydropower projects can affect local aquatic ecosystems and river flow regimes. The facility's location in a seismically active region requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure structural integrity. Its contribution to grid stability and renewable energy targets underscores its importance in China's energy transition.
Environmental context
The Gelantan Dam hydroelectric plant generates electricity with minimal direct CO2 emissions, supporting China's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the reservoir may alter local hydrology and affect fish migration and sediment transport. The region's biodiversity, including riverine habitats, could be impacted by changes in water flow and temperature. Proper environmental management and mitigation measures are essential to balance energy production with ecological preservation.
Frequently asked questions
Gelantan Dam is located in Yunnan Province, China, at coordinates 22.7049 N, 102.0574 E.
Gelantan Dam has an installed capacity of 390 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale hydroelectric facility.
Gelantan Dam is owned and operated by Yunnan Datang International Lixianjiang River Basin Hydropower Development Co Ltd.
Hydroelectric plants in China must comply with national environmental impact assessment laws, water resource management regulations, and renewable energy policies. The government sets standards for ecological flow, fish passage, and reservoir management.
Hydroelectric power is a low-carbon energy source, but it can alter river ecosystems, affect fish migration, change sediment transport, and impact local communities. Proper siting and mitigation measures are important to minimize these effects.