Overview
Sichuan Jiuzhaigou County Shunhe is a 21 MW hydroelectric power plant located in Sichuan, China. It is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Sichuan Jiuzhaigou County Shunhe is a hydroelectric power plant located in Sichuan Province, China. With a capacity of 21 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 energy to the local grid. Hydroelectric plants in China operate under national regulations including the Water Law and the Renewable Energy Law, which promote sustainable development and grid integration. The plant's technology is typical for small hydropower, utilizing run-of-river or reservoir-based systems common in mountainous Sichuan. The region's abundant water resources from the Min River and its tributaries support such facilities. The plant's location near Jiuzhaigou, a scenic area known for its natural beauty, underscores the importance of balancing energy generation with environmental conservation. It contributes to China's renewable energy targets and provides low-carbon electricity to local communities, reducing reliance on coal-fired power.
Environmental context
The plant uses hydropower, a renewable source with low direct emissions, but its environmental impact includes potential alterations to local aquatic ecosystems and water flow. Located in a biodiversity-rich area, it must manage sedimentation and fish passage. Proximity to populated areas is limited, reducing local air quality concerns. The small capacity minimizes large-scale ecological disruption.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Sichuan Province, China, near the Jiuzhaigou scenic area.
The plant has a capacity of 21 megawatts (MW).
It is a hydroelectric power plant, generating electricity from flowing water.
Hydroelectric plants in China are regulated under the Water Law and the Renewable Energy Law, which govern water use, environmental protection, and grid integration.
As a renewable energy source, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants, supporting China's climate goals.