Overview

The Dongqing Dam, also referred to as the Dongjing Dam, is a major hydroelectric infrastructure project located in Guizhou Province, China. It is situated on the Beipan River, strategically positioned to border Zhenning and Zhenfeng County. The facility is located approximately 20 km (12 mi) northeast of the administrative seat of Zhenfeng County. As a concrete face rock-fill dam, the structure represents a significant engineering achievement in the region's energy landscape, serving as a critical component of the local power generation capacity.

The dam stands 150 m (492 ft) tall and is designed to withhold a substantial reservoir with a total capacity of 955,000,000 m3 (774,231 acre⋅ft). This water storage capability supports an integrated hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity of 880 MW. The facility is currently operational, contributing to the energy grid through water-based power generation. The project's development followed a structured construction timeline that began in 2005. Key milestones included the diversion of the Beipan River in 2006, which allowed for the main structural works to proceed efficiently. The dam began to impound the reservoir in 2009, marking the initial phase of water retention. That same year, the first generator was officially commissioned, signaling the start of power production.

The Dongqing Dam plays a vital role in the hydroelectric infrastructure of Guizhou Province. Its location on the Beipan River leverages the natural topography and water flow of the region to generate consistent electrical output. The concrete face rock-fill design provides structural stability while allowing for efficient water management. The project's completion and subsequent operation have enhanced the energy reliability for the surrounding areas, including Zhenning and Zhenfeng County. The dam's reservoir capacity of 955,000,000 m3 ensures a steady water supply for power generation, even during varying seasonal flows. The 880 MW capacity contributes significantly to the regional energy mix, supporting both local consumption and broader grid stability. The successful commissioning in 2009 marked a key achievement in the province's efforts to expand its hydroelectric resources. The facility continues to operate as a testament to the engineering and planning that went into its construction, from the initial start in 2005 to the river diversion in 2006 and the final impoundment in 2009.

Engineering Design and Specifications

The Dongqing Dam is a concrete-face rock-fill structure located on the Beipan River, situated on the border between Zhenning and Zhenfeng County in Guizhou Province, China. This type of construction utilizes a rock-fill core faced with a concrete slab, providing structural integrity and water retention for the hydroelectric power station. The facility supports an 880 MW hydroelectric power station, contributing to the regional energy infrastructure of the area.

Technical Parameters

Parameter Value
Dam Type Concrete-face rock-fill
Height 150 m (492 ft)
Reservoir Capacity 955,000,000 m3 (774,231 acre⋅ft)
Installed Capacity 880 MW
River Beipan River
Location Zhenning and Zhenfeng County, Guizhou Province, China

The concrete-face rock-fill design is chosen for its ability to handle the specific geological and hydrological conditions of the Beipan River. The reservoir capacity of 955,000,000 m3 allows for significant water storage, which is essential for the operation of the 880 MW hydroelectric power station. The structure's height of 150 m provides the necessary head for efficient power generation.

Construction Timeline and Commissioning

Construction of the Dongqing Dam commenced in 2005, marking the beginning of a multi-year engineering effort on the Beipan River. The project involved the construction of a 150 m tall concrete-face rock-fill dam, a specific structural design chosen for the site's geological and hydrological conditions. This phase of development laid the groundwork for the subsequent hydrological and mechanical installations required for the 880 MW power station.

A critical milestone in the construction sequence occurred in 2006, when the Beipan River was successfully diverted. This engineering operation allowed for the dry construction of the dam's foundation and lower sections, facilitating the placement of the rock-fill material and the concrete face. The diversion of the river is a standard but complex procedure in large-scale dam construction, ensuring that water flow could be managed effectively while the main barrier was being raised.

By 2009, the dam reached a stage where it could begin to impound the reservoir. This year marked the transition from civil construction to operational readiness for the hydroelectric facility. The reservoir, with a total capacity of 955,000,000 m3, started to fill, exerting pressure on the concrete face and stabilizing the rock-fill structure. In the same year, 2009, the first generator of the hydroelectric power station was commissioned. This commissioning signified the initial operational capability of the plant, allowing for the conversion of the potential energy of the stored water into electrical power.

Construction Milestones

Year Event
2005 Construction of the Dongqing Dam began.
2006 The Beipan River was diverted to facilitate dam construction.
2009 The dam began to impound the reservoir.
2009 The first generator of the 880 MW hydroelectric power station was commissioned.

Hydroelectric Power Generation

The Dongqing Dam supports a hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity of 880 MW, operating as a key energy infrastructure asset in Guizhou Province, China. The facility is classified as operational, having reached initial commissioning in 2009. This power generation capacity is integrated into the regional energy grid, contributing to the energy mix of the province situated along the Beipan River. The hydroelectric station leverages the water resource managed by the 150 m tall concrete-face rock-fill dam structure. The reservoir withholds a volume of 955,000,000 m3, providing the necessary hydraulic head and flow regulation required for consistent power output. The operational status of the plant reflects the successful completion of the construction phases that began in 2005. The river was diverted in 2006, allowing for the main structural works and the installation of the generating equipment. The dam began to impound the reservoir in 2009, marking the transition from construction to operational readiness. The first generator was commissioned in that same year, initiating the power delivery to the grid. The 880 MW capacity represents a significant contribution to the regional energy supply, utilizing the natural water flow of the Beipan River. The concrete-face rock-fill design of the dam provides structural stability and efficient water retention for the hydroelectric generation process. The location of the dam, bordering Zhenning and Zhenfeng County, places it in a strategic position for energy distribution within the province. The operational timeline demonstrates a relatively rapid development cycle, from the start of construction in 2005 to the commissioning of the first generator in 2009. The facility continues to operate, maintaining its role in the energy infrastructure of Guizhou Province. The hydroelectric power station does not specify a distinct operator in the available sources, indicating potential management by a provincial or national energy entity. The 880 MW output is a fixed capacity figure, reflecting the design specifications of the turbines and generators installed. The reservoir volume of 955,000,000 m3 ensures adequate water storage for power generation during varying flow conditions. The operational status remains active, with the dam continuing to withhold the reservoir and support the power station. The contribution to the regional grid is ongoing, providing a reliable source of renewable energy. The technical specifications, including the 150 m height and the concrete-face rock-fill construction, are critical to the dam's performance and the efficiency of the hydroelectric generation. The location 20 km northeast of Zhenfeng County's seat provides context for the geographical setting of the energy infrastructure. The Beipan River serves as the primary water source, feeding the reservoir and driving the turbines. The 880 MW capacity is a substantial output for a single hydroelectric station, highlighting the significance of the Dongqing Dam in the local energy landscape. The operational history, starting from 2009, marks the beginning of its contribution to the energy supply. The construction timeline, including the river diversion in 2006, underscores the engineering efforts involved in establishing the facility. The dam's role in energy generation is central to its function, with the 880 MW output being the primary metric of its power production capability. The reservoir's volume and the dam's height are integral to maintaining the hydraulic conditions necessary for consistent power generation. The operational status confirms that the facility is actively producing electricity, contributing to the energy needs of the region. The lack of a specified operator does not diminish the operational reality of the plant, which continues to function as a key component of the Guizhou Province energy grid. The 880 MW capacity remains the defining characteristic of the hydroelectric power station supported by the Dongqing Dam.

Geographical Context and Location

The Dongqing Dam is situated on the Beipan River, a key watercourse within the complex topography of southwestern China. The structure is located in Guizhou Province, a region characterized by its karst landscape and significant hydroelectric potential. Specifically, the dam spans the river at a point that forms the boundary between Zhenning County and Zhenfeng County. This strategic positioning allows the facility to harness the flow of the Beipan River while serving the geographical jurisdictions of both administrative divisions. The dam is positioned approximately 20 km northeast of the seat of Zhenfeng County, placing it in a relatively accessible yet mountainous area typical of the province's interior.

The choice of location on the Beipan River is critical to the dam's function as a concrete face rock-fill structure. The river's gradient and flow volume in this section of Guizhou Province provide the necessary hydraulic head and water volume to support the reservoir and power station. The reservoir created by the dam holds a substantial volume of water, with a capacity of 955,000,000 m3. This storage capability is essential for regulating the river's flow and ensuring consistent water supply for the hydroelectric power station's turbines. The geographical constraints of the valley between Zhenning and Zhenfeng County necessitated the construction of a 150 m tall dam to achieve the desired impoundment levels.

The proximity to Zhenfeng County's seat influences the logistical and operational aspects of the dam. Being 20 km northeast of the county seat provides a balance between integration with local infrastructure and the need for a large catchment area upstream. This location also impacts the surrounding communities in both Zhenning and Zhenfeng County, as the reservoir's expansion affects land use and local geography. The dam's position on the border of these two counties highlights the shared resource management responsibilities and the regional importance of the Beipan River's hydroelectric development. The construction and operation of the Dongqing Dam have thus become a focal point for local economic and environmental considerations in this part of Guizhou Province.

Why it matters

The Dongqing Dam represents a significant engineering achievement in China's modern hydroelectric development, specifically within the complex terrain of Guizhou Province. As a concrete face rock-fill (CFR) dam, it exemplifies the structural efficiency required for high-head projects in mountainous regions. The structure stands 150 m tall and withholds a reservoir capacity of 955,000,000 m3, providing critical water storage and energy generation capabilities for the region. Its location on the Beipan River, bordering Zhenning and Zhenfeng County, places it in a key hydrological corridor that has seen increasing infrastructure investment to harness the flow of this major tributary of the Nanpan River system.

Contribution to Regional Energy Infrastructure

With an installed capacity of 880 MW, the Dongqing hydroelectric power station contributes substantially to Guizhou's energy mix. Guizhou has emerged as a major energy hub in southwestern China, leveraging its abundant water resources and topographical gradients to generate hydroelectric power. The commissioning of the first generator in 2009 marked a milestone in the operational timeline of the project, following the river diversion in 2006 and the beginning of reservoir impoundment in the same year. This rapid development cycle, from construction start in 2005 to initial power output in 2009, reflects the accelerated pace of infrastructure deployment in the region.

The dam's role extends beyond immediate power generation. The 955,000,000 m3 reservoir provides strategic water storage, which is vital for regulating flow downstream and supporting multi-purpose uses such as irrigation, flood control, and potentially navigation, although the primary cited function remains hydroelectric generation. The concrete face rock-fill design is particularly notable for its ability to handle the geological stresses common in the karst landscapes of Guizhou, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional concrete gravity dams while maintaining high structural integrity at a height of 150 m.

Strategic Location and Engineering Context

Situated 20 km northeast of Zhenfeng County's seat, the dam is integrated into the local administrative and geographical context of Guizhou Province. The Beipan River's flow is a critical resource for the region, and the Dongqing Dam's position allows for the optimization of hydraulic head for power generation. The project underscores the importance of the Beipan River basin in China's broader hydroelectric strategy, where large-scale dams are used to stabilize grid supply and support industrial growth in the southwestern provinces. The operational status of the plant, confirmed as operational since its 2009 commissioning, highlights its ongoing contribution to the regional grid reliability and energy security.

How does a concrete face rock-fill dam work?

The Dongqing Dam utilizes a concrete face rock-fill (CFRD) design, a structural approach that combines the flexibility of a rock-fill body with the impermeability of a concrete skin. This technology is particularly effective for sites like the Beipan River, where the dam reaches a height of 150 m (492 ft). The core of the structure consists of compacted rock fragments, which provide the bulk mass necessary to resist the hydrostatic pressure of the reservoir, which holds 955,000,000 m3 (774,231 acre⋅ft) of water. Unlike traditional concrete gravity dams, which rely on the sheer weight of a solid concrete mass, the rock-fill core allows for more efficient use of local materials and can accommodate slight settlements without cracking.

The Concrete Face and Water Retention

The critical component that prevents water from seeping through the porous rock fill is the concrete face. This is a relatively thin, continuous slab of concrete that lines the upstream slope of the dam. It acts as the primary water-tight barrier. At Dongqing, this concrete face must withstand the pressure of the 150 m (492 ft) water column. The concrete is typically supported by a transition zone of graded rock and gravel, which helps distribute the load and allows for minor movements in the rock fill without stressing the concrete slab. This design ensures that the reservoir remains stable and that water loss through seepage is minimized, which is essential for maintaining the head required for power generation.

Power Generation Integration

The structural integrity of the CFRD allows for the integration of the hydroelectric power station, which has an installed capacity of 880 MW. Water from the reservoir is channeled through penstocks located within or adjacent to the rock-fill body. These penstocks direct the water to turbines in the powerhouse. The height of the dam creates significant hydraulic head, which drives the turbines to generate electricity. The first generator was commissioned in 2009, the same year the dam began to impound the reservoir. The flexibility of the rock-fill core helps absorb thermal and hydraulic stresses, ensuring the longevity of the concrete face and the efficiency of the power generation system.

Construction and Material Efficiency

The choice of a concrete face rock-fill dam at Dongqing reflects a balance between material availability and engineering efficiency. Construction began in 2005, with the river diverted in 2006 to allow for the placement of the rock fill and the pouring of the concrete face. This method often requires less concrete than a solid gravity dam, reducing costs and material transport needs. The rock fill is compacted in layers to achieve the required density and stability. The concrete face is poured in sections, with careful attention to joint sealing to ensure watertightness. This construction approach allowed for the rapid progression from river diversion in 2006 to full commissioning in 2009, demonstrating the efficiency of the CFRD technology for large-scale hydroelectric projects in mountainous regions like Guizhou Province.

What distinguishes Dongqing Dam from other Guizhou dams?

The Dongqing Dam is defined by its specific structural typology and its strategic location within the Beipan River basin, distinguishing it from other hydroelectric installations in Guizhou Province. It is a concrete face rock-fill dam, a design choice that utilizes a flexible rock-fill core protected by a concrete slab facing. This construction method differs from the traditional concrete gravity or arch dams that characterize many other major projects in the region. The dam stands at a height of 150 m (492 ft), a dimension that contributes to the hydraulic head required for its power generation capabilities. This structural height is a key metric when comparing Dongqing to other regional dams, as it directly influences the reservoir's storage volume and the potential energy of the flowing water. The reservoir created by the Dongqing Dam withholds a total volume of 955,000,000 m3 (774,231 acre⋅ft). This storage capacity is significant for regulating the flow of the Beipan River, which borders Zhenning and Zhenfeng County. The location of the dam, situated 20 km (12 mi) northeast of Zhenfeng County's seat, places it in a specific topographical context that influences its operational dynamics. The concrete face rock-fill design allows for efficient construction in the varied terrain of Guizhou, where rock-fill materials are often abundant. This contrasts with dams that require massive amounts of concrete for gravity structures, potentially affecting the construction timeline and material logistics. The power station associated with the Dongqing Dam has an installed capacity of 880 MW. This capacity places it among the notable hydroelectric contributors in Guizhou's energy mix. The commissioning of the first generator occurred in 2009, marking the initial operational phase of the facility. Construction began in 2005, with the river diversion taking place in 2006. The impoundment of the reservoir also started in 2009, coinciding with the initial power generation. This timeline reflects a relatively rapid construction schedule for a dam of this height and capacity. The operational status of the Dongqing Dam remains active, continuing to provide hydroelectric power to the regional grid. The specific combination of its concrete face rock-fill structure, 150 m height, and 880 MW capacity defines its engineering profile within the broader context of Guizhou's hydroelectric infrastructure.

See also