Overview
Yunnan Maguan Xiaobaihe is a 25 MW hydroelectric power plant in Yunnan, China. It generates renewable electricity from hydropower, contributing to the region's clean energy supply.
Yunnan Maguan Xiaobaihe is a hydroelectric power plant located in Yunnan Province, China. With a capacity of 25 MW, it is a small-scale facility within China's vast hydropower sector, which is the largest in the world. The plant operates using the flow of the Xiaobaihe river, converting kinetic energy into electricity without direct fuel combustion. The plant's technology is typical of run-of-river or small reservoir hydroelectric systems common in mountainous regions of Yunnan. China's hydropower plants are regulated under national environmental laws, including the Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law and the Environmental Impact Assessment Law. These frameworks mandate environmental impact assessments and operational permits to manage ecological effects such as altered water flows and fish migration. As a renewable energy source, Yunnan Maguan Xiaobaihe helps reduce reliance on coal-fired power, lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The electricity generated supports local grid stability and economic development in the region. Its small capacity makes it suitable for decentralized power supply, contributing to energy access in rural areas.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems. The plant's operation may alter river flow regimes, impacting sediment transport and fish habitats. Yunnan's mountainous terrain and biodiversity make such projects subject to environmental oversight. The facility's small scale likely minimizes ecological disruption compared to large dams, but ongoing monitoring is essential to maintain water quality and ecosystem health.
Frequently asked questions
Yunnan Maguan Xiaobaihe is located in Yunnan Province, China, near the Xiaobaihe river. Its coordinates are approximately 22.7569° N, 104.3819° E.
It is a hydroelectric power plant that generates electricity by harnessing the flow of water from the Xiaobaihe river.
The plant has a capacity of 25 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
Hydroelectric plants in China must comply with the Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law and the Environmental Impact Assessment Law, which require permits and assessments to manage water quality, ecological flows, and biodiversity impacts.
As a renewable energy source, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing coal-fired power. It supports local grid stability and provides clean electricity to rural areas in Yunnan.