Overview
Luquan County Baishui River III Hydroelectric is an operational hydroelectric power plant in China with a capacity of 18 MW, contributing to renewable energy generation in the region.
Luquan County Baishui River III Hydroelectric is a hydroelectric power plant located in Luquan County, Yunnan Province, China. With an installed capacity of 18 MW, it is a small-scale facility within China's vast hydropower sector, which is the largest in the world. The plant harnesses the flow of the Baishui River to generate clean electricity, supporting local energy needs and grid stability. The plant operates under China's regulatory framework for hydropower, which includes compliance with national environmental standards and water resource management policies. As a run-of-river or reservoir-type facility, its technology is typical for small hydro projects in mountainous regions. The 18 MW capacity places it in the small hydro category, often used to supply power to rural or remote areas. Environmentally, the plant provides low-carbon electricity, reducing reliance on coal-fired generation in Yunnan Province. Its operation supports China's renewable energy targets and contributes to local economic development through job creation and infrastructure. The facility's location in a river basin also necessitates careful management of water flows to minimize ecological disruption.
Environmental context
The plant's hydroelectric generation produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, offering a clean alternative to fossil fuels. However, hydropower projects can affect local aquatic ecosystems and river flow regimes. The facility's small capacity suggests a relatively limited environmental footprint compared to large dams. Its location in Yunnan, a province with rich biodiversity, requires adherence to environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures to protect local habitats.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Luquan County, Yunnan Province, China, on the Baishui River.
The plant has an installed capacity of 18 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small hydroelectric facility.
It is a hydroelectric power plant that uses water flow from the Baishui River to generate electricity.
Hydroelectric plants in China must comply with the Water Law, Environmental Protection Law, and renewable energy policies, including requirements for environmental impact assessments and water resource management.
As a renewable energy source, it produces electricity without direct greenhouse gas emissions, helping to reduce reliance on coal and supporting China's carbon neutrality goals.