Overview
Yunnan Wanmahe Third Cascade is a 14 MW hydroelectric power plant in Yunnan, China. It is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Yunnan Wanmahe Third Cascade is a hydroelectric power plant located in Yunnan Province, China. With a capacity of 14 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 the local energy grid. As a hydroelectric plant, it uses the flow of water to generate electricity without direct fuel combustion, resulting in low operational emissions. The technology is typical for run-of-river or small reservoir projects common in the mountainous regions of Yunnan. China's regulatory framework for hydropower includes environmental impact assessments and water resource management requirements under the Water Law and Renewable Energy Law. The plant's environmental significance lies in its renewable energy generation, which displaces fossil fuel-based power and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in Yunnan, a province rich in water resources, supports the integration of hydropower into the regional grid, contributing to energy security and sustainable development.
Environmental context
The plant operates in Yunnan, a province with abundant water resources and significant hydropower potential. Hydroelectric generation avoids direct CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, but can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The small capacity suggests limited environmental footprint compared to large dams. Typical run-of-river projects have minimal land use change.
Frequently asked questions
Yunnan Wanmahe Third Cascade is located in Yunnan Province, China, at coordinates 24.1272 N, 98.7086 E.
The plant has a capacity of 14 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
It is a hydroelectric power plant, generating electricity from flowing water without fuel combustion.
Hydroelectric plants in China must comply with the Water Law, Renewable Energy Law, and environmental impact assessment requirements. They are subject to water resource management and ecological flow regulations.
Hydropower produces electricity with low direct emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It supports renewable energy targets and helps mitigate climate change, though it requires careful management of water ecosystems.