Overview

The Jiangpinghe Dam is a significant hydroelectric infrastructure project located in Hubei Province, China. Situated on the Loushui River near Jiangpinghe village in Zouma Town, Hefeng County, the facility serves as a multi-purpose concrete face rock-fill embankment dam. Its primary operational objectives encompass hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and irrigation support for the surrounding region. The dam is currently operational and plays a key role in the energy mix of the Central China Power Grid.

The structure stands 221 metres tall, creating a substantial reservoir with a total withholding capacity of 1,366,000,000 cubic metres. Of this total volume, 787,000,000 cubic metres constitutes active or "useful" storage, optimizing water utilization for both power generation and downstream agricultural needs. The engineering design utilizes a concrete face rock-fill embankment configuration, a common and effective approach for large-scale hydroelectric projects in varied topographical conditions.

The hydroelectric power station integrated into the dam features two generators, each with a capacity of 250 MW, resulting in a total installed capacity of 500 MW. The facility is expected to generate 1005 GWh of electricity annually, contributing significantly to regional power supply. Construction on the Jiangpinghe Dam commenced in 2005, with the first generator going online in July 2012, marking the beginning of its operational phase. The project represents a major investment in renewable energy infrastructure in Hubei Province, leveraging the natural flow of the Loushui River to produce clean energy while managing flood risks and supporting local irrigation systems.

Technical Specifications and Design

The Jiangpinghe Dam is engineered as a concrete face rock-fill embankment structure, a design choice optimized for stability and hydraulic efficiency on the Loushui River. This construction method utilizes a core of compacted rock fill covered by a reinforced concrete slab, providing a watertight surface while allowing for flexibility in the underlying foundation. The dam rises to a height of 221 metres, serving as the primary hydraulic barrier for the hydroelectric power station and flood control systems in Hefeng County.

The reservoir created by the dam has a total capacity of 1,366,000,000 cubic metres. Of this total volume, 787,000,000 cubic metres is designated as active or "useful" storage, which is the primary volume utilized for daily and seasonal hydroelectric generation. This active storage capacity supports the plant's expected annual generation of 1005 GWh, which is fed into the Central China Power Grid. The remaining volume serves as dead storage or compensation for evaporation and sedimentation.

Key Technical Metrics

Parameter Value
Dam Type Concrete face rock-fill embankment
Height 221 metres
Total Reservoir Capacity 1,366,000,000 cubic metres
Active Storage 787,000,000 cubic metres
Installed Capacity 500 MW (2 x 250 MW)
Expected Annual Generation 1005 GWh
Grid Connection Central China Power Grid

The power station houses two generators, each with a capacity of 250 MW, resulting in the total installed capacity of 500 MW. The first generator commenced operations in July 2012, marking the initial phase of the hydroelectric output for the region. The design integrates flood control, irrigation, and power generation, leveraging the significant elevation and water volume of the Loushui River to provide consistent energy supply to the central grid infrastructure.

Power Generation and Grid Integration

The Jiangpinghe hydroelectric power station is designed to deliver a total installed capacity of 500 MW. This output is achieved through the operation of two individual generator units, each rated at 250 MW. The facility serves as a significant baseload and peaking resource within the regional energy mix, leveraging the hydraulic head provided by the concrete face rock-fill embankment structure. The dual-generator configuration allows for operational flexibility, enabling one unit to remain online for maintenance or peak shaving while the other continues to feed power into the transmission network.

Annual energy production is projected to reach 1005 GWh. This generation volume reflects the dam's ability to regulate the flow of the Loushui River, converting the potential energy of the reservoir into electrical output. The reservoir, which holds a total volume of 1,366,000,000 cubic metres, provides the necessary water storage to sustain this generation profile throughout varying hydrological seasons. Of this total storage, 787,000,000 cubic metres is classified as active or "useful" storage, directly contributing to the turbine's rotational energy and subsequent electricity generation. The efficiency of this conversion process is critical for maintaining the projected 1005 GWh annual output, ensuring that the infrastructure delivers consistent energy yields to meet regional demand.

Integration with the broader electrical infrastructure is a core function of the Jiangpinghe project. The electricity generated is transferred directly to the Central China Power Grid. This connection facilitates the distribution of power across a wide geographic area, enhancing grid stability and allowing for the efficient allocation of hydroelectric resources within the Central China region. The transmission infrastructure links the remote location of the dam, situated near Jiangpinghe village in Zouma Town, to major load centers, minimizing transmission losses and maximizing the economic value of the generated power. The integration into the Central China Power Grid also supports regional energy security by providing a renewable energy source that complements other generation technologies within the grid's portfolio.

Construction History and Timeline

Construction of the Jiangpinghe Dam began in 2005. The project involved the creation of a concrete face rock-fill embankment dam on the Loushui River, located near Jiangpinghe village in Zouma Town, Hefeng County, Hubei Province, China. The primary engineering objective was to establish a hydroelectric power station with a total installed capacity of 500 MW, utilizing two generators of 250 MW each. In addition to power generation, the dam was designed to serve flood control and irrigation purposes for the region.

The construction phase culminated in the commissioning of the first generator in July 2012. This milestone marked the operational start of the facility, which is currently listed as operational. The completed structure stands 221 metres tall and withholds a reservoir volume of 1,366,000,000 cubic metres. Of this total volume, 787,000,000 cubic metres constitutes the active or "useful" storage capacity. The facility is connected to the Central China Power Grid, with an expected annual generation of 1005 GWh.

Timeline of Construction and Commissioning

Year Event
2005 Construction on the dam began.
2012 The first generator went online in July 2012.

Why it matters

The Jiangpinghe Dam serves as a critical node in the energy and water management infrastructure of Hubei Province, China. As a hydroelectric facility with an installed capacity of 500 MW, it contributes significantly to the Central China Power Grid. The plant utilizes two generators, each rated at 250 MW, to deliver electricity to the regional network. This capacity supports the growing energy demands of central China, providing a reliable source of baseload and peaking power. The integration of this facility into the Central China Power Grid enhances grid stability and diversifies the energy mix in the region.

Beyond electricity generation, the dam plays a vital role in flood control along the Loushui River. The structure withholds a reservoir volume of 1,366,000,000 cubic metres. Of this total storage, 787,000,000 cubic metres is designated as active or "useful" storage. This substantial reservoir capacity allows for effective regulation of water flow, mitigating flood risks for downstream communities and agricultural lands. The dam's ability to manage water levels is crucial for protecting infrastructure and reducing economic losses during peak flow seasons.

Irrigation is another key function of the Jiangpinghe Dam. The stored water supports agricultural activities in the Loushui River basin. By ensuring a consistent water supply, the dam enhances crop yields and supports local farming economies. The combination of hydroelectric power, flood control, and irrigation makes the Jiangpinghe Dam a multi-purpose asset. Its construction, which began in 2005, and commissioning in July 2012, reflect strategic planning to optimize water resources in Hubei Province. The dam's location near Jiangpinghe village in Zouma Town, Hefeng County, underscores its regional importance.

How does a concrete face rock-fill dam work?

Concrete face rock-fill (CFR) dams represent a distinct engineering approach to embankment dam construction, differing significantly from traditional earth-fill or concrete gravity designs. This technology is particularly suited for sites with abundant rock foundations and variable geological conditions, making it a strategic choice for projects like the Jiangpinghe Dam in Hubei Province. The structure relies on two primary components working in synergy: a massive core of compacted rock-fill and a thin, watertight concrete slab that forms the upstream face.

The rock-fill core constitutes the bulk of the dam's volume. It consists of crushed rock and gravel, carefully placed and compacted in layers to create a stable, permeable mass. Unlike earth-fill dams, which require extensive clay cores or central impervious zones, CFR dams utilize the rock-fill for structural stability and load-bearing capacity. The rock-fill is designed to settle uniformly under the hydrostatic pressure of the reservoir, providing a robust skeleton that can withstand significant seismic activity and foundation movements. This permeability allows water to drain through the rock mass, reducing pore water pressure and enhancing overall stability, although it requires precise grading of the rock materials to prevent internal erosion.

Sealing this permeable rock mass is the concrete face slab, typically 30 to 60 centimeters thick. This slab is cast in panels on the upstream slope of the rock-fill, forming a continuous, watertight barrier that directly contacts the reservoir water. The concrete is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate minor settlements and thermal expansions of the underlying rock-fill without cracking. Expansion joints between the concrete panels are sealed with waterstops and elastomeric materials to ensure long-term watertightness. The slab transfers the hydrostatic load to the rock-fill core, which then distributes the weight down to the foundation.

This design offers several advantages for large-scale hydroelectric projects. It generally requires less concrete than a gravity dam, reducing material costs and curing time. The construction process is also faster, as the rock-fill can be placed concurrently with the concrete slab casting. For the Jiangpinghe Dam, this technology supports its 221-meter height and the retention of 1.366 billion cubic meters of water, ensuring efficient flood control and power generation capabilities while maintaining structural integrity over its operational lifespan.

What distinguishes Jiangpinghe from other Hubei dams?

The Jiangpinghe Dam represents a significant engineering achievement within the hydroelectric infrastructure of Hubei Province, distinguished by its specific structural design and strategic location. As a concrete face rock-fill embankment dam, it utilizes a construction method that combines the flexibility of rock-fill with the watertight integrity of a concrete face, a configuration that offers distinct advantages in seismic activity and foundation settlement compared to traditional concrete gravity or arch dams prevalent in the region.

Structural and Capacity Specifications

Standing at a height of 221 metres, the Jiangpinghe Dam is a substantial vertical structure that creates a reservoir with a total capacity of 1,366,000,000 cubic metres. Of this total volume, 787,000,000 cubic metres constitutes active or "useful" storage, optimizing the hydroelectric output efficiency. The power station integrated into the dam houses two generators, each with a capacity of 250 MW, resulting in a total installed capacity of 500 MW. This configuration allows for a flexible generation profile, with an expected annual generation of 1005 GWh, which is primarily transferred to the Central China Power Grid.

Strategic Location on the Loushui River

The dam is situated on the Loushui River, near Jiangpinghe village in Zouma Town, Hefeng County, Hubei Province, China. This specific geographic placement is critical to its operational effectiveness, leveraging the natural topography of the Loushui River basin to maximize hydraulic head and water retention. The location in Hefeng County places it within a key hydroelectric corridor in Hubei, contributing to the province's diverse energy mix. The construction of the dam began in 2005, and the first generator was commissioned in July 2012, marking a relatively modern addition to the region's hydroelectric portfolio.

Multi-Purpose Utility

Beyond its primary role in hydroelectric power generation, the Jiangpinghe Dam serves multiple utility functions that distinguish it from single-purpose installations. It provides essential flood control for the surrounding areas, mitigating the risk of inundation in Zouma Town and downstream communities. Additionally, the dam supports irrigation needs in the region, enhancing agricultural productivity in Hefeng County. This multi-faceted approach to water resource management underscores the dam's importance not only as an energy asset but also as a critical infrastructure component for local economic stability and environmental management in Hubei Province.

See also