Overview
Yunnan Jiduhe Cascade IV is a 12 MW hydroelectric power plant in Yunnan, China. It is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Yunnan Jiduhe Cascade IV is a hydroelectric power plant located in Yunnan Province, China. With a capacity of 12 MW, it is a small-scale facility within China's vast hydropower sector, which is the largest in the world. The plant is part of a cascade development on the Jiduhe River, leveraging the region's mountainous terrain and water resources for clean electricity generation. The plant operates under China's national energy regulations, which prioritize renewable energy expansion and grid integration. As a hydroelectric facility, it benefits from China's Renewable Energy Law and associated feed-in tariffs that support small hydropower projects. The technology involves conventional hydropower turbines, typical for run-of-river or small reservoir installations in Yunnan's river systems. Environmentally, Yunnan Jiduhe Cascade IV provides low-carbon electricity, displacing fossil fuel generation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Its small capacity means minimal ecological footprint compared to large dams, though local aquatic ecosystems may be affected by flow regulation. The plant supports rural electrification and energy access in Yunnan, a province rich in hydropower resources.
Environmental context
The plant uses hydroelectric power, a renewable energy source with low direct emissions. However, hydropower projects can alter river flow and affect local aquatic habitats. Yunnan's mountainous terrain and high rainfall support hydropower, but careful management is needed to balance energy production with ecological preservation. The plant's small scale reduces its environmental impact relative to larger dams.
Frequently asked questions
Yunnan Jiduhe Cascade IV is located in Yunnan Province, China, on the Jiduhe River.
The plant has a capacity of 12 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small hydroelectric facility.
It is a hydroelectric power plant, generating electricity from flowing water.
Hydroelectric plants in China operate under the Renewable Energy Law, which promotes renewable energy development and provides feed-in tariffs for small hydropower.
As a renewable energy source, it produces low-carbon electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping to mitigate climate change.