Overview

The Fengman Dam is a significant hydroelectric infrastructure project located in Jilin Province, China. Situated on the Second Songhua River, the facility stands approximately 20 km from Jilin City. As a concrete gravity dam, it serves dual primary purposes: hydroelectric power generation and flood control for the surrounding region. The structure is currently operational and is owned and operated by Northeast China Grid Company Limited.

Construction of the Fengman Dam began in 1937, marking an early phase of hydroelectric development in the region. The project was completed in 1953, establishing a long-standing energy asset for Northeast China. The dam has a total installed capacity of 1010 MW, contributing substantially to the regional power grid. Its strategic location on the Second Songhua River allows for effective water management, balancing energy output with flood mitigation needs for Jilin City and downstream areas.

What are the technical specifications of the Fengman Dam?

The Fengman Dam is a concrete gravity structure located on the Second Songhua River, approximately 20 km from Jilin City in Jilin Province, China. The dam serves dual primary purposes: hydroelectric power generation and flood control. Construction began in 1937 and was completed in 1953. The facility is owned and operated by Northeast China Grid Company Limited.

Structural Parameters

The dam features a concrete gravity design with a total length of 1,080 m and a height of 91 m. The structure is divided into distinct sections to manage water flow and structural integrity. The main dam section spans 660 m, while the left bank dam extends 200 m and the right bank dam covers 220 m. These divisions allow for targeted maintenance and optimized hydraulic performance across the riverbed.
Parameter Value
Type Concrete gravity dam
Total Length 1,080 m
Height 91 m
Main Dam Section 660 m
Left Bank Dam 200 m
Right Bank Dam 220 m

Spillway and Flood Discharge

The dam includes a spillway system designed to handle excess water during peak flow periods. The spillway consists of 14 gates, each 10 m wide and 16 m high, providing a total discharge capacity of 10,000 m³/s. This configuration ensures effective flood control for downstream areas, including Jilin City. Additionally, the dam features a flood discharge tunnel with a diameter of 8 m and a length of 450 m, capable of discharging up to 2,500 m³/s. The tunnel is equipped with a radial gate to regulate flow during moderate flood events. The combination of the spillway and flood discharge tunnel allows the Fengman Dam to manage varying hydrological conditions efficiently. The concrete gravity design provides stability against water pressure and seismic activity, ensuring long-term operational reliability. The dam's technical specifications reflect mid-20th-century engineering standards, optimized for the Second Songhua River's flow characteristics.

Why it matters

The Fengman Dam holds a distinct position in the energy history of Northeast China as one of the region's earliest and most significant hydroelectric infrastructure projects. Its construction timeline, beginning in 1937 and concluding in 1953, spans a critical period of geopolitical transition, initiating during the Japanese occupation of Manchuria and completing in the early years of the People's Republic of China. This historical trajectory underscores the dam's strategic importance to regional planners and engineers who sought to harness the Second Songhua River for sustained power generation and flood mitigation.

Located 20 km from Jilin City, the dam serves as a cornerstone of the local energy grid, operated by Northeast China Grid Company Limited. With an installed capacity of 1010 MW, the facility provides a substantial baseline of renewable energy to the region, contributing to the stability of the Northeast China Grid. The concrete gravity design, completed in 1953, reflects the engineering standards of the mid-20th century, prioritizing durability and flood control alongside power output. The dual purpose of hydroelectric generation and flood control has been vital for Jilin City, protecting urban and agricultural areas from the seasonal fluctuations of the Second Songhua River.

The operational continuity of the Fengman Dam since 1953 demonstrates the longevity of early 20th-century hydroelectric investments in China. As one of the first major dams in the region, it paved the way for subsequent hydroelectric developments along the Songhua River basin, influencing the broader energy infrastructure strategy of Northeast China. The dam's role extends beyond mere electricity production; it acts as a critical flood barrier, reducing the risk of inundation for downstream communities and industrial zones. This dual functionality has made the Fengman Dam an enduring asset, maintaining its relevance in the regional energy mix and water management systems for over seven decades.

See also