Overview
Yuanyang County Yangxi River 3rd Cascade is a 10 MW hydroelectric power plant in Yunnan, China. It is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Yuanyang County Yangxi River 3rd Cascade is a hydroelectric power plant located in Yunnan Province, China. With a capacity of 10 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 Yangxi River to generate electricity, supporting local energy needs. As a run-of-river or reservoir-based hydro plant, it operates with low variable costs and provides clean, renewable energy. The plant's technology is typical for small hydro projects in mountainous regions of China, where water resources are abundant. It likely uses Francis or Pelton turbines depending on head height, and its operations are integrated into the regional grid. The plant contributes to China's renewable energy goals and reduces reliance on coal-fired power. Its location in a rural area means it supports local economic development and provides a stable power supply. The environmental impact is minimal compared to fossil fuel plants, though it may affect local aquatic ecosystems.
Environmental context
The plant's hydroelectric generation produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, making it a low-carbon energy source. However, the construction of dams and reservoirs can alter river flow, sediment transport, and fish migration patterns. The facility's small scale (10 MW) likely limits its ecological footprint, but cumulative effects of multiple hydropower projects in the region should be considered. The plant operates under China's national environmental regulations, including water resource management and ecological flow requirements.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Yuanyang County, Yunnan Province, China, near the Yangxi River.
The plant has a capacity of 10 MW, making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
It is a hydroelectric power plant that generates electricity from the flow of the Yangxi River.
Hydroelectric plants in China must comply with the Water Law, Environmental Protection Law, and regulations on ecological flows and fish passage. The government also promotes renewable energy through subsidies and grid integration policies.
As a renewable energy source, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports China's goal of carbon neutrality by 2060. It also provides reliable power to rural areas.