Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Project
The Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Project in Sichuan, China, is nearing completion. This dam, set to be the tallest in the world, stands at 315 metres. It has a storage capacity of 110 million cubic metres and aims to generate 2,000 megawatts of electricity annually. This power output is sufficient to supply over three million homes. Construction began nearly a decade ago, and the first phase of water storage was completed on May 1, 2025.
Project Details
The Shuangjiangkou dam is located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture. It rises from the upper section of the Dadu River, flowing from the Tibetan Plateau towards the Sichuan Basin. The dam’s height surpasses that of the Jinping-I dam by 10 metres. The project cost approximately 36 billion Yuan (US$4.9 billion) and has been engineering undertaking.
Operational Timeline
PowerChina, the project developer, has indicated that the first unit of the dam is expected to begin electricity production by the end of 2025. Once operational, the dam will produce over 7 billion kWh of renewable energy each year. This energy output will contribute to China’s energy needs.
Environmental Impact
The Shuangjiangkou dam is designed to support China’s green energy goals. It will offset approximately 2.96 million tonnes of coal consumption annually. Additionally, it is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 7.18 million tonnes. This aligns with China’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality.
Engineering Challenges
Constructing the dam presented numerous challenges due to its high-altitude location and complex geological conditions. Engineers faced issues such as seismic resistance and controlling seepage. Advanced technologies, including robotics and 5G systems, have been employed to address these challenges. Robotic rollers collect real-time data, while drones monitor environmental risks.
China’s Global Position in Dam Construction
China is the global leader in dam construction, having built over 22,000 dams taller than 15 metres since the 1950s. This accounts for nearly half of the world’s total. Most of these structures are concentrated in the southwest region of the country.
International Relations and Concerns
China’s dam-building activities have raised concerns among neighbouring countries, particularly India and Bangladesh. The planned construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River has prompted discussions about potential impacts on water flow. However, Chinese officials assert that the project will not adversely affect downstream nations.
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