Overview
Xinjiang Kumalake Xiaoshixia is a 110 MW hydroelectric power plant located in Xinjiang, China. It is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Xinjiang Kumalake Xiaoshixia is a hydroelectric power plant situated in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. With a capacity of 110 MW, it represents a medium-scale facility within China's extensive hydropower sector, which is the largest in the world. The plant operates using hydroelectric technology, converting the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity. As a renewable energy source, it produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions during operation, aligning with China's goals to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in its energy mix. The facility is subject to national environmental regulations, including the Environmental Protection Law and standards for water resource management. This plant plays a role in supplying clean electricity to the Xinjiang region, supporting local economic development and energy security. Its operation contributes to reducing reliance on coal-fired power, thereby lowering the overall carbon footprint of the regional grid. The facility's location in a seismically active area necessitates robust engineering to ensure safety and reliability.
Environmental context
The plant is located in the Xinjiang region, characterized by arid to semi-arid climates and significant water resources from mountain runoff. Hydroelectric power generation here has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The facility's operation is managed to minimize ecological disruption, with considerations for fish migration and sediment transport. Proximity to populated areas is limited, reducing direct human impact.
Frequently asked questions
Xinjiang Kumalake Xiaoshixia is located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, at coordinates 41.5642° N, 79.6222° E.
The plant has a capacity of 110 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale hydroelectric facility.
It is a hydroelectric power plant, which generates electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water.
Hydroelectric plants in China must comply with the Environmental Protection Law, Water Law, and regulations on ecological flows and wildlife protection. They also undergo environmental impact assessments.
Hydroelectric power is a key renewable energy source that helps China reduce carbon emissions and increase the share of non-fossil fuels in its energy mix, supporting its climate targets.