Overview

The Guandi Dam is a major hydroelectric powerplant located in Sichuan Province, Southwest China. It is constructed as a gravity dam on the Yalong River, which serves as a significant tributary of the Yangtze River basin. The facility is operated by Yalong Hydro and has been in operational status since its full commissioning in 2013. The dam plays a key role in the regional energy infrastructure, harnessing the hydraulic potential of the Yalong River to generate electricity for the broader grid system in southwestern China.

Technical Specifications and Capacity

The Guandi Dam project features a total generating capacity of 2400 MW. This output is produced by four hydroelectric generators, each with an individual generating capacity of 600 MW. The structural design relies on gravity dam engineering principles, utilizing the weight of the structure to resist the horizontal force of the water. The facility's configuration allows for efficient energy production from the water flow of the Yalong River, contributing significantly to the hydroelectric output of the Yangtze River tributary system.

Construction and Commissioning Timeline

Construction of the Guandi Dam commenced on October 20, 2010, marked by a formal ground-breaking ceremony. The project progressed rapidly, with the dam beginning to impound its reservoir on February 9, 2012. The final stage of the initial commissioning phase was completed on March 28, 2013, when the last of the four generators was officially commissioned. This timeline reflects a relatively swift development period for a gravity dam of this scale, establishing the Guandi Dam as a key operational asset in the Yalong River hydroelectric cascade.

Geography and Location

The Guandi Dam is situated in the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture within Sichuan Province, located in Southwest China. This geographic positioning places the facility within a region characterized by significant topographical variation, which is critical for gravity dam construction and hydroelectric potential. The dam is built directly on the Yalong River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River. The Yalong River basin is a key area for hydroelectric development in China, providing substantial water flow necessary for the operation of the Guandi project.

Location Details

Attribute Value
Country China (CN)
Province Sichuan
Autonomous Prefecture Liangshan Yi
River Yalong River
Parent River System Yangtze River
Dam Type Gravity Dam

The placement on the Yalong River allows the dam to harness the water flow from the surrounding mountainous terrain. As a tributary of the Yangtze, the Yalong River contributes significantly to the broader Yangtze River basin's hydrological cycle. The specific location in the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture provides access to the necessary geological stability required for a gravity dam structure. The dam's position enables the impoundment of water into a reservoir, which feeds the four hydroelectric generators of the facility. This geographic setup is integral to the dam's operational efficiency and its role in the regional energy infrastructure.

Technical Specifications

The Guandi Dam is a gravity dam located on the Yalong River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River in Sichuan Province, Southwest China. As a gravity structure, the dam relies on its weight to resist the horizontal force of the water, a common design for large hydroelectric projects in the region. The dam creates a reservoir that feeds water to the powerhouse, where the hydroelectric generators convert the potential energy of the water into electricity.

Generating Capacity and Units

The power station is equipped with four hydroelectric generators. Each generator has an individual capacity of 600 MW, contributing to the total installed capacity of the project. The aggregate generating capacity of the Guandi Dam project is 2,400 MW. This capacity makes it a significant contributor to the regional power grid in Sichuan Province.

Technical Parameters

Parameter Value
Dam Type Gravity Dam
River Yalong River
Location Sichuan Province, China
Number of Generators 4
Capacity per Generator 600 MW
Total Installed Capacity 2,400 MW
Operator Yalong Hydro
Commissioning Date 2013

The operational status of the Guandi Dam is currently operational, having been commissioned in 2013. The last of the four generators was commissioned on 28 March 2013, marking the completion of the initial generation phase. The dam is operated by Yalong Hydro, a key player in the hydroelectric sector in Southwest China.

Construction History

This event marked the official start of the project on the Yalong River, a tributary of the Yangtze River located in Sichuan Province in Southwest China. The dam is designed as a gravity structure, a common engineering choice for hydroelectric projects in the region's varied topography. The construction phase focused on establishing the primary concrete structure and preparing the riverbed for the installation of the four hydroelectric generators that would eventually define the plant's output.

A critical milestone in the construction timeline occurred on February 9, 2012, when the dam began to impound the reservoir. This process involved the gradual filling of the upstream basin, which required careful management of water levels to minimize disruption to the local ecosystem and downstream flow. The impoundment phase is typically one of the most technically demanding stages of dam construction, as it tests the structural integrity of the gravity dam under increasing hydrostatic pressure. During this period, the Yalong River's flow was regulated to accommodate the rising water levels, setting the stage for the final mechanical and electrical installations.

The project reached its operational conclusion with the commissioning of the final generator on March 28, 2013. This date marks the point at which the Guandi Dam achieved its full generating capacity. The plant supplies water to four hydroelectric generators, each with a generating capacity of 600 MW, resulting in a total generating capacity of 2,400 MW for the project. The commissioning of the last unit signified the end of the primary construction and installation phases, transitioning the facility from a major infrastructure project to an active component of China's hydroelectric grid. The operator, Yalong Hydro, took over the management of the facility following this commissioning, ensuring the plant's integration into the broader energy infrastructure of Sichuan Province.

What is the significance of the Guandi Dam project?

The Guandi Dam serves as a critical node in the hydroelectric infrastructure of Southwest China, specifically within the Yalong River basin. As a gravity dam on the Yalong River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River in Sichuan Province, the facility contributes significantly to the regional energy mix. This output enhances the reliability of the power supply in Sichuan, a province heavily reliant on hydropower for both local consumption and transmission to eastern load centers.

Construction Timeline and Operational Efficiency

The development of the Guandi Dam was characterized by a relatively rapid construction phase, reflecting the accelerated pace of hydroelectric expansion in China during the early 2010s. Construction officially began on October 20, 2010, marked by a ground-breaking ceremony. The final generator was commissioned on 28 March 2013, bringing the entire 2,400 MW capacity online within approximately two and a half years from the start of construction. This timeline demonstrates efficient project execution, allowing the facility to contribute to the grid capacity of the Yalong River cascade in a short period.

Role in the Yalong River Cascade

Operated by Yalong Hydro, the Guandi Dam is part of the broader Yalong River hydropower cascade, which is one of the most significant hydroelectric corridors in China. The Yalong River, flowing through the mountainous terrain of Sichuan Province, offers substantial head and flow characteristics ideal for gravity dams. The 2,400 MW capacity of Guandi adds to the cumulative output of the cascade, contributing to the stability of the regional grid. While the Yalong River hosts multiple large-scale hydro projects, Guandi’s specific contribution of four 600 MW units provides a balanced and modular power output, aiding in load management and peak shaving for the Southwest China grid. The operational status of the dam remains active, continuing to harness the water resources of the Yalong River for energy production.

Operational Details

The Guandi Dam is operated by Yalong Hydro, a major power generation enterprise in China’s southwestern region. As of 2026, the facility maintains an operational status, contributing to the regional grid through its hydroelectric output. The plant’s power generation infrastructure consists of four distinct hydroelectric generators. Each generator is rated at a capacity of 600 MW, combining to provide the project’s total installed capacity of 2,400 MW. This configuration allows for flexible power output management depending on water flow rates in the Yalong River, a key tributary of the Yangtze River.

Generator Specifications

The power house houses four identical generating units. These units were the final components to be commissioned during the construction phase, with the last generator coming online on 28 March 2013. The uniformity of the generators simplifies maintenance and operational scheduling for Yalong Hydro. The following table details the individual capacity of each unit as established during the project’s commissioning.

Generator Unit Individual Capacity Commissioning Date
Unit 1 600 MW 2013
Unit 2 600 MW 2013
Unit 3 600 MW 2013
Unit 4 600 MW 28 March 2013

The dam began impounding the reservoir on February 9, 2012, marking the start of the hydraulic head development necessary for the turbines. Construction had initially commenced with a ground-breaking ceremony on October 20, 2010. The rapid progression from reservoir impoundment to full generator commissioning within a year reflects the efficient execution of the project by the operator. The gravity dam structure supports these generators by regulating the water flow from the Yalong River, ensuring consistent power delivery to the grid in Sichuan Province.

Frequently asked questions

What is the total generating capacity of the Guandi Dam?

The Guandi Dam has a total installed generating capacity of 2,400 MW. The facility operates as a gravity dam structure, utilizing the water flow from the Yalong River to drive its turbine units. The combined output of these four units defines the project's total power generation potential, making it a significant contributor to the regional energy grid in Sichuan Province. The capacity figures are derived directly from the project's technical specifications and commissioning records.

Where is the Guandi Dam located geographically?

The dam is located in Sichuan Province, in the southwestern region of China. This strategic location allows the facility to harness the hydrological potential of the Yalong River basin, one of the most productive hydroelectric corridors in the country. The dam's position within the Yangtze River system integrates it into the broader national energy infrastructure, facilitating power transmission to surrounding provinces and major urban centers in Southwest China.

Who operates the Guandi Dam?

The Guandi Dam is operated by Yalong Hydro. As the primary operator, Yalong Hydro manages the daily operations, maintenance, and power generation activities of the facility. The operator oversees the four generating units and ensures the structural integrity of the gravity dam. Yalong Hydro's management includes monitoring water levels in the reservoir and coordinating power output with regional grid demands. The operational status of the dam is currently listed as operational, indicating continuous power production since its final commissioning.

When was the Guandi Dam constructed and commissioned?

This timeline reflects a construction period of approximately three years from the initial ground-breaking to full operational status. The commissioning date marks the point at which the entire 2,400 MW capacity became available for power generation.

Summary

As a gravity dam, it serves as a critical component of the regional energy grid, harnessing the hydraulic potential of the Yalong River to generate substantial electrical power. The facility is operated by Yalong Hydro, a key entity in the Chinese hydropower sector, and has been fully operational since the final commissioning of its generating units in March 2013. The project represents a focused effort to exploit the water resources of the Yalong basin, contributing to the broader energy mix of Southwest China through consistent, renewable power generation.

The technical specifications of the Guandi Dam reflect a robust engineering design aimed at maximizing energy output from the river's flow. This configuration results in a total installed generating capacity of 2,400 MW, making it a substantial contributor to the local and regional power supply. The gravity dam structure provides the necessary head and water storage to drive these turbines efficiently, ensuring reliable power delivery to the connected grid. The operational status of the dam remains active, continuing to serve as a vital energy source for the province.

The development timeline of the Guandi Dam highlights a relatively swift construction phase for a project of its scale. Following the initial construction efforts, the dam began to impound its reservoir on February 9, 2012, a critical milestone that allowed for the gradual filling of the water body and the subsequent testing of the hydraulic systems. The final generator was commissioned on March 28, 2013, signaling the full operational readiness of the entire 2,400 MW facility. This timeline underscores the efficient execution of the project, from groundbreaking to full commissioning, within a period of approximately three years.

Located in Sichuan Province, the Guandi Dam benefits from the geographical advantages of the Yalong River, which is known for its significant hydropower potential. The river's flow characteristics and the topography of the surrounding area were key factors in selecting the site for this gravity dam. The project contributes to the economic and energy landscape of Southwest China, providing a renewable energy source that complements other forms of power generation in the region. The operation by Yalong Hydro ensures that the facility is managed by an experienced operator with a deep understanding of the local hydrological conditions and the technical requirements of large-scale hydropower plants.

See also