Overview

The Daguangba Dam is a significant multi-purpose infrastructure project situated on the Changhua River in Hainan Province, China. As the primary component of the Daguangba Multipurpose Project, this facility represents a critical piece of energy and water management infrastructure for the region. The dam is located approximately 35 km (22 mi) east of Dongfang, serving as a strategic hub for both power generation and agricultural support in the province. It holds the distinction of being the largest dam and the largest hydroelectric power station in Hainan, underscoring its importance to the local energy grid and economic development.

Construction of the Daguangba Dam took place between 1990 and 1995, culminating in its commissioning in 1995. The project was designed to address dual needs: providing reliable hydroelectric power and ensuring consistent water supply for agriculture. The facility supports a power station with an installed capacity of 240 MW, contributing significantly to Hainan's renewable energy mix. In addition to its energy output, the dam plays a vital role in irrigation, supplying water for the cultivation of 12,700 hectares of agricultural land. This dual functionality highlights the integrated approach taken in the design and operation of the Daguangba Multipurpose Project.

The operational status of the Daguangba Dam remains active, continuing to serve its intended purposes decades after its initial construction. The dam's ability to harness the flow of the Changhua River has made it a cornerstone of regional infrastructure, balancing energy production with agricultural demands. Its location near Dongfang facilitates efficient distribution of both electricity and water to surrounding communities and farms. The project exemplifies the strategic use of hydroelectric resources in tropical and subtropical regions, where water management is crucial for sustaining both energy systems and agricultural productivity.

Engineering Design and Structural Specifications

The Daguangba Dam is engineered as a composite structure, combining a concrete gravity section with homogeneous earth-fill embankments to manage the hydrological demands of the Changhua River. This hybrid design allows the facility to serve as the primary component of the Daguangba Multipurpose Project, balancing structural stability for power generation with extensive water retention for agricultural irrigation. The dam’s construction, which took place between 1990 and 1995, resulted in a total length of 5,842 m, making it the largest dam in Hainan Province.

Structural Dimensions and Composition

The concrete gravity section forms the core of the dam’s hydraulic capacity, standing at a height of 57 m and spanning 719 m in length. This section is critical for housing the hydroelectric power station, which has an installed capacity of 240 MW. Adjacent to the gravity section are the homogeneous earth-fill embankments, which extend 5,123 m in length and reach a height of 44 m. These embankments provide the necessary containment for the reservoir, supporting the irrigation of 12,700 ha of agricultural land.

Parameter Value
Structure Type Composite (Concrete Gravity and Earth-Fill)
Total Length 5,842 m
Gravity Section Length 719 m
Gravity Section Height 57 m
Embankment Length 5,123 m
Embankment Height 44 m
Hydroelectric Capacity 240 MW
Irrigation Area 12,700 ha

The specific volumes of concrete and fill materials used in the construction are not detailed in the primary source documentation, but the extensive length of the earth-fill sections indicates a significant earthwork component. The dam’s location, 35 km east of Dongfang, influences its structural design to handle the specific geological and hydrological conditions of the Changhua River basin. As the largest hydroelectric power station in Hainan, the Daguangba Dam’s engineering specifications reflect its dual role in energy production and regional water management.

Hydroelectric Power Generation Capacity

The Daguangba Dam supports a significant hydroelectric power station, which serves as the primary component of the Daguangba Multipurpose Project. The facility is situated on the right side of the dam's gravity section. The power station is equipped with four Francis turbine-generators, each with an individual capacity of 60 MW. This configuration results in a total installed capacity of 240 MW for the plant. The station was commissioned in 1995, following construction that took place between 1990 and 1995.

As of its commissioning and through subsequent operational years, the Daguangba hydroelectric power station holds the distinction of being the largest hydroelectric power station in Hainan Province. This status is attributed to its 240 MW capacity, which provides a substantial contribution to the regional energy grid. The plant is located 35 km east of Dongfang, on the Changhua River. The strategic placement on the Changhua River allows for efficient water capture and flow regulation, which is critical for the consistent operation of the Francis turbines.

Operational Role and Capacity

The 240 MW capacity of the Daguangba power station plays a key role in the energy infrastructure of Hainan. The use of Francis turbine-generators indicates a design optimized for medium-head hydroelectric conditions, which are typical for the Changhua River's topography. The four units allow for flexible operation, enabling the plant to adjust output based on water availability and grid demand. The power station's output is integral to the multi-purpose nature of the dam, which also provides water for agriculture.

The integration of power generation with other functions, such as irrigation, underscores the dam's importance to Hainan's development. The 240 MW output is a fixed capacity figure, representing the maximum power the four 60 MW units can produce under optimal conditions. The plant's operational status remains active, continuing to supply electricity to the region. The facility's size and output capacity make it a landmark in Hainan's hydroelectric sector, distinguishing it from smaller run-of-river or reservoir-based plants in the province.

Water Management and Irrigation Infrastructure

The Daguangba Dam functions as the central component of the Daguangba Multipurpose Project, designed to balance hydroelectric power generation with extensive agricultural water supply in Hainan Province. The reservoir provides critical storage capacity, with a total volume of 1,710,000,000 m3 and an active storage volume of 1,315,000,000 m3. These volumes allow for the regulation of the Changhua River's flow, ensuring consistent water availability for downstream users despite seasonal variations in rainfall and runoff. The dam's ability to store this significant volume of water is fundamental to its role as the largest hydroelectric power station in Hainan, supporting the 240 MW power station while simultaneously feeding the regional irrigation network.

Spillway Specifications

To manage excess water inflow and maintain structural integrity during peak flow events, the dam features a robust spillway system. The spillway is equipped with 16 radial gates, which allow for precise control over the discharge rate. This configuration enables a maximum discharge capacity of 35,564 m3/s. Such a high discharge capability is essential for handling the hydrological dynamics of the Changhua River, particularly during the wet seasons when rapid inflow can quickly raise the reservoir level. The radial gates facilitate efficient water release, minimizing hydraulic pressure on the dam structure and ensuring that the active storage volume is maintained within optimal operational limits.

Irrigation Network and Agricultural Impact

Beyond power generation, the Daguangba Dam plays a vital role in the agricultural infrastructure of the region. The project supplies water for the irrigation of 12,700 hectares of farmland. This water is distributed through a comprehensive canal system that begins with a 16 km Head Main Canal. From this primary conduit, the water flows into an extensive network of branch and lateral canals, which together span 154 km. This irrigation infrastructure ensures that water reaches agricultural lands across a wide area, supporting crop production and enhancing food security in the province. The integration of such a large-scale irrigation system with the hydroelectric facility exemplifies the multi-purpose design of the Daguangba Project, maximizing the utility of the stored water resources for both energy and agriculture.

Why it matters

The Daguangba Dam holds a distinct position as the largest dam and hydroelectric power station in Hainan Province, China. This status is not merely a matter of physical scale but represents a critical node in the island’s energy and water infrastructure. As the primary component of the Daguangba Multipurpose Project, the facility was constructed between 1990 and 1995, culminating in its commissioning in 1995. Its location on the Changhua River, situated 35 km (22 mi) east of Dongfang, places it strategically to serve the southern and eastern regions of the island.

Regional Water Security and Agricultural Support

The dam’s significance extends beyond electricity generation, playing a vital role in regional water security. It supports a 240 MW power station, contributing to Hainan’s energy mix, while simultaneously supplying water for the irrigation of 12,700 ha. This dual-purpose functionality addresses the specific needs of Hainan’s agricultural sector, which relies heavily on consistent water supply for crops such as rubber, rice, and tropical fruits. By regulating the flow of the Changhua River, the dam mitigates seasonal variability, ensuring that agricultural productivity remains stable even during periods of fluctuating rainfall. This integration of hydroelectric power and irrigation infrastructure is a hallmark of effective water resource management in China’s southern provinces.

Energy Independence and Infrastructure Scale

In the context of China’s broader hydroelectric infrastructure, the Daguangba Dam serves as a key example of regional energy independence. While larger dams exist in the Yangtze and Yellow River basins, Daguangba’s 240 MW capacity is substantial for an island province where land constraints and geological conditions often limit large-scale hydro projects. The facility’s construction, supported by World Bank funding, underscores the international recognition of its potential to drive economic development in Hainan. The involvement of the World Bank highlights the project’s role in modernizing Hainan’s infrastructure, providing a reliable power source that reduces dependence on thermal generation and imported fuels.

Comparative Context in Chinese Hydro

Comparatively, the Daguangba Dam illustrates the diversity of China’s hydroelectric portfolio. Unlike the massive three-gorge scale projects, Daguangba represents a medium-sized, multi-purpose facility tailored to the specific geographic and economic needs of a provincial region. Its ability to deliver both power and irrigation water makes it a model for integrated resource management in other Chinese provinces. The dam’s operational status since 1995 demonstrates the longevity and reliability of such infrastructure, continuing to serve as a cornerstone of Hainan’s energy and agricultural sectors. Its continued operation highlights the enduring value of strategic investments in water and energy infrastructure, particularly in regions where natural resources are both abundant and critical for sustained growth.

What are the key components of the Daguangba Multipurpose Project?

The Daguangba Multipurpose Project is an integrated infrastructure system designed to optimize water resource utilization in Hainan Province, China. The project’s architecture centers on the Daguangba Dam, which functions as the primary structural component regulating flow on the Changhua River. This dam serves a dual purpose: generating hydroelectric power and providing extensive agricultural irrigation. The system is located 35 km (22 mi) east of Dongfang, positioning it strategically to serve the surrounding regions of the island.

Dam Structure and Reservoir

The dam was constructed between 1990 and 1995, establishing it as the largest dam in Hainan Province. Its construction created a reservoir that acts as the central storage mechanism for the project. This reservoir captures water from the Changhua River, allowing for controlled release based on seasonal agricultural demands and energy generation needs. The structural integrity and capacity of the dam are critical for maintaining consistent water levels, ensuring that both downstream irrigation canals and the hydroelectric turbines receive adequate flow throughout the year.

Hydroelectric Power Station

Integrated with the dam is a 240 MW power station, which is the largest hydroelectric power station in Hainan. This facility converts the potential energy of the stored water into electrical energy, contributing significantly to the province’s power grid. The power station operates as a key component of the multipurpose project, leveraging the head provided by the dam to drive turbines. The 240 MW capacity represents a substantial energy output for the region, supporting local industrial and residential consumption while utilizing the natural topography of the Changhua River basin.

Irrigation and Canal Network

A critical aspect of the Daguangba Multipurpose Project is its agricultural support system. This extensive coverage is achieved through a network of canals and distribution channels that transport water from the reservoir to agricultural zones. The integration of irrigation with power generation allows for efficient water management, where water released for turbine rotation continues downstream to nourish crops. This synergy between energy production and agriculture maximizes the utility of the Changhua River’s water resources, reducing waste and enhancing regional food security. The project’s design ensures that water allocation is balanced to meet both the electrical output requirements and the seasonal irrigation schedules of the 12,700 ha under its service area.

How does the Daguangba Dam compare to other hydroelectric projects in China?

The Daguangba Dam holds a distinct position within China’s extensive hydroelectric infrastructure, primarily defined by its regional dominance rather than national scale. It is the largest dam and hydroelectric power station in Hainan Province, serving as the primary component of the Daguangba Multipurpose Project. While China’s national hydroelectric landscape is characterized by massive mega-projects, such as the Three Gorges Dam with its gigawatt-scale output, the Daguangba Dam represents a significant mid-sized installation with a capacity of 240 MW. This output is substantial for an island province, contributing meaningfully to Hainan’s energy mix and supporting local agricultural demands through the irrigation of 12,700 ha.

Structural Scale and National Context

A defining feature of the Daguangba Dam is its considerable length, which measures 5,842 m. This dimension makes it one of the longest dams in China, a structural characteristic that distinguishes it from many of the country’s taller, gravity-type concrete dams. The dam was constructed between 1990 and 1995, a period of rapid infrastructure development in China’s southern regions. Its location on the Changhua River, situated 35 km east of Dongfang, underscores its strategic role in harnessing the hydrological resources of Hainan’s western coast.

When compared to other hydroelectric projects in China, the Daguangba Dam’s 240 MW capacity places it in the medium-range category. It does not compete with the gigawatt outputs of major continental rivers like the Yangtze or Yellow River, but its efficiency in serving a dual-purpose role—power generation and agriculture—highlights the versatility required for regional energy infrastructure. The project’s operational status since 1995 demonstrates the longevity and reliability of China’s mid-sized hydroelectric investments, which continue to play a crucial role in balancing energy supply and water resource management in provincial contexts.

See also