Name: Laohuzui Hydropower Station
Address: CN

Overview

The Laohuzui Hydropower Station is an operational hydroelectric powerplant located in the Tibet region of China (CN). Situated in Gongbo Gyamda County within the Nyingchi Prefecture, the facility serves as a key component of the regional energy infrastructure. The station has an installed capacity of 102 MW, contributing to the power generation output of the area. It was commissioned in 2011, marking the beginning of its operational history in the region. The name "Laohuzui" translates to "tiger's mouth," a geographical descriptor associated with the site's location. The plant is positioned approximately 343 km from Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet region, integrating into the broader network of energy resources in the Nyingchi Prefecture. The primary energy source for the station is water, harnessed through hydropower technology to generate electricity. As an operational facility, the Laohuzui Hydropower Station continues to function as part of the local grid, providing power to surrounding areas. The project is also referred to as the Laohuzui hydropower project in various contexts. The station's location in Gongbo Gyamda County places it within a specific administrative and geographical context, leveraging the natural water resources available in the Nyingchi Prefecture. The 102 MW capacity represents the station's output capability, which is utilized to meet energy demands in the region. The commissioning in 2011 established the station's role in the local energy landscape, with ongoing operations supporting the power supply. The distance of 343 km from Lhasa highlights the station's position relative to the regional capital, indicating its integration into the wider Tibetan energy infrastructure. The use of water as the primary fuel source underscores the reliance on hydropower in the area, a common feature of energy projects in the Nyingchi Prefecture. The Laohuzui Hydropower Station remains a significant asset in the region's energy portfolio, with its operational status ensuring continued power generation. The facility's name, derived from "tiger's mouth," reflects local geographical naming conventions, adding a cultural dimension to the technical infrastructure. The station's operation in Tibet contributes to the region's energy security, with the 102 MW capacity providing a steady output. The location in Gongbo Gyamda County is strategic for accessing water resources, enabling efficient power generation. The commissioning in 2011 marked a milestone in the development of hydropower in the Nyingchi Prefecture, with the Laohuzui station playing a key role. The distance from Lhasa of 343 km situates the plant within a specific logistical framework, facilitating connections to the broader grid. The operational status of the station ensures that it continues to deliver energy, supporting the needs of the local population and industries. The hydropower technology used at Laohuzui is typical of the region, utilizing water flow to drive turbines and generate electricity. The 102 MW capacity is a measure of the station's potential output, which is realized through the continuous operation of the facility. The Laohuzui Hydropower Station is an example of the energy infrastructure developed in Tibet, leveraging natural resources to meet power demands. The station's operation in Gongbo Gyamda County highlights the importance of hydropower in the Nyingchi Prefecture, with the Laohuzui project being a notable instance. The commissioning in 2011 established the station as a functional part of the regional grid, with ongoing operations maintaining its contribution. The name "Laohuzui" or "tiger's mouth" is a distinctive feature of the station, reflecting local geography. The 343 km distance from Lhasa provides context for the station's location within the Tibet region, indicating its position relative to the capital. The operational status of the Laohuzui Hydropower Station ensures that it remains an active contributor to the energy supply in the Nyingchi Prefecture. The 102 MW capacity is a key metric for understanding the station's output, which is utilized to support local energy needs. The use of water as the primary source is consistent with hydropower projects in the region, highlighting the reliance on natural resources. The Laohuzui Hydropower Station is a significant part of the energy infrastructure in Tibet, with its operation in Gongbo Gyamda County supporting the broader network. The commissioning in 2011 marked the start of its operational life, with the station continuing to function as a key power source. The distance of 343 km from Lhasa is a geographical reference point, situating the station within the regional context. The Laohuzui Hydropower Station remains an operational facility, providing energy through hydropower technology. The 102 MW capacity is a measure of its output, which is essential for the local grid. The name "Laohuzui" reflects local naming conventions, adding a cultural element to the technical infrastructure. The operational status of the station ensures continued power generation, supporting the energy needs of the region. The Laohuzui Hydropower Station is an example of the hydropower infrastructure developed in the Nyingchi Prefecture, leveraging water resources for energy production. The 102 MW capacity is a key feature of the station, representing its output capability. The operational status of the facility ensures that it continues to provide power, supporting the energy demands of the area. The commissioning in 2011 marked the beginning of the station's operational history, with ongoing operations maintaining its contribution to the regional grid. The distance of 343 km from Lhasa situates the station within the broader Tibetan energy infrastructure, highlighting its integration into the network. The Laohuzui Hydropower Station is a significant part of the energy portfolio in Tibet, with its operation in the Nyingchi Prefecture supporting local power needs.

History

The Laohuzui Hydropower Station, also known as the Laohuzui hydropower project, is a hydroelectric facility situated in Tibet. The station is located in Gongbo Gyamda County of Nyingchi Prefecture, approximately 343 km from Lhasa. The name "Laohuzui" translates to "tiger's mouth," referring to the geographical feature at the site. The project is operational with a capacity of 102 MW. The operator of the station is. The plant was commissioned in 2011.

Project Timeline

The development of the Laohuzui Hydropower Station followed a structured chronological path, beginning with high-level administrative approval and concluding with the formal commissioning of the facility. The project received approval from the National Development and Reform Commission, marking the official green light for construction. Construction activities commenced in September 2007, initiating the physical development of the infrastructure. A significant milestone was reached on March 30, 2008, when the river was dammed, effectively controlling the water flow for power generation. The project reached its completion on 17 June 2011, finalizing the construction phase and leading to the operational status of the station.

Year	Event
2007	Start of construction in September
2008	Damming of the river on March 30
2011	Completion on 17 June; Commissioned

The Laohuzui Hydropower Station represents a key infrastructure development in the Nyingchi Prefecture of Tibet. Its location in Gongbo Gyamda County places it within a strategic area for energy production, leveraging the water resources of the region. The project's timeline, from the approval by the National Development and Reform Commission to the final completion in 2011, reflects a coordinated effort to establish a 102 MW hydroelectric capacity. The damming of the river in 2008 was a critical step in the construction process, enabling the subsequent phases leading to the station's operational status. The facility continues to function as an important energy source in the region, contributing to the local power grid. The specific operator of the station remains unspecified in the available sources, but the plant's operational history is well-documented through its key milestones. The name "Laohuzui," meaning "tiger's mouth," adds a distinctive geographical reference to the project, highlighting the natural features of the site. The station's completion in 2011 marked the culmination of the construction efforts that began in 2007, establishing a lasting energy infrastructure in Tibet.

Why it matters

The Laohuzui Hydropower Station holds significant strategic importance within the energy infrastructure of the Tibet Autonomous Region. It was designated as a key construction project under the 'Eleventh Five-Year' power development plan for Tibet, marking a critical phase in the region's efforts to expand its renewable energy capacity. This designation underscores the station's role not merely as a local power source, but as a pivotal component of the broader regional energy strategy aimed at modernizing Tibet's grid and supporting economic development in the Nyingchi Prefecture.

Located in Gongbo Gyamda County, approximately 343 km from Lhasa, the station's geographical positioning is central to its utility. The name "Laohuzui," which translates to "tiger's mouth," refers to the specific topographical features of the site, highlighting the natural advantages utilized for hydroelectric generation. With an installed capacity of 102 MW, the station contributes substantially to the power supply of the surrounding areas, helping to bridge the energy gap in a region where infrastructure development has historically faced logistical and geographical challenges.

The commissioning of the Laohuzui Hydropower Station in 2011 represented a tangible milestone in the implementation of Tibet's energy policies. As one of the major hydroelectric facilities in the Nyingchi Prefecture, it supports the integration of water-based renewable energy into the regional grid. This project exemplifies the focus on leveraging Tibet's abundant water resources to create sustainable power solutions. The station's operational status continues to provide a reliable source of electricity, reinforcing the stability of the local power network and facilitating further industrial and residential growth in the county.

By fulfilling its role as a cornerstone of the 'Eleventh Five-Year' plan, the Laohuzui Hydropower Station demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted infrastructure investments in remote regions. Its development aligns with the broader objectives of enhancing energy security and promoting economic vitality in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The project serves as a model for subsequent hydroelectric developments in the area, illustrating how strategic planning and execution can overcome the unique challenges of high-altitude energy production.

What is the location of Laohuzui Hydropower Station?

The Laohuzui Hydropower Station is situated within the administrative boundaries of Tibet, specifically in Gongbo Gyamda County, which is part of the Nyingchi Prefecture. This location places the facility in a region characterized by significant topographical variation, typical of the Tibetan Plateau's eastern extensions. The station is located approximately 343 km from Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, positioning it within a key corridor for regional energy distribution and transportation links.

Geographic and Topographic Context

Nyingchi Prefecture, also known as Linzhi, is renowned for its diverse climate and dense vegetation compared to the higher, drier central Tibetan plateau. Gongbo Gyamda County serves as a strategic gateway to the Nyingchi region, lying along the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley. The hydropower station leverages the natural hydraulic head provided by the river's course through this county. The specific site selection reflects the engineering necessity of balancing water flow volume, elevation drop, and accessibility for construction and operational logistics. The distance of 343 km from Lhasa indicates that while the station is somewhat remote from the regional administrative center, it is integrated into the broader infrastructure network connecting the eastern prefectures to the capital.

Etymology and Naming

The name "Laohuzui" carries direct linguistic significance related to the local geography. The term translates to "tiger's mouth" in English. This naming convention is common in Chinese geographic nomenclature, often referring to narrow gorges, rocky outcrops, or specific river bends that resemble the shape or ferocity of a tiger's mouth. In the context of the Laohuzui Hydropower Station, the name likely refers to the specific topographical feature where the dam or the primary intake is located, emphasizing the rugged and imposing nature of the riverine landscape at that precise point. The use of this descriptive name helps distinguish the station within the broader Nyingchi hydropower development zone, providing a recognizable identifier rooted in local physical characteristics rather than abstract numerical designations.

The integration of the Laohuzui project into the Gongbo Gyamda County landscape underscores the region's importance in Tibet's energy infrastructure. By harnessing the water resources of the area, the station contributes to the operational capacity of the regional grid, serving both local consumption and potential transmission needs toward Lhasa and other parts of the autonomous region. The geographic positioning ensures that the facility benefits from the consistent water flow characteristic of the Nyingchi area, which is crucial for maintaining the 102 MW operational capacity since its commissioning in 2011.

How was the project financed and constructed?

The project required a total financial commitment of ¥1.288 billion to bring the facility to its operational status, which was achieved in 2011. This capital expenditure covered the engineering, procurement, and construction phases necessary to harness the hydrological potential of the region, located approximately 343 km from Lhasa in Gongbo Gyamda County. The scale of the investment reflects the logistical and technical challenges inherent in developing energy infrastructure in the Tibetan plateau, where terrain and accessibility often drive up costs compared to more central Chinese provinces.

Construction and Operational Forces

A defining characteristic of the Laohuzui project was the direct involvement of the Third Corps of Armed Police Hydropower Troops in its construction. This participation highlights the strategic importance of energy development in Tibet, where military and paramilitary engineering units have historically played a crucial role in infrastructure projects. The Armed Police Hydropower Troops are specialized units within the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, often deployed to manage large-scale civil engineering tasks in remote or strategically sensitive areas. Their involvement in the Laohuzui station suggests that the project benefited from the organizational discipline, logistical capacity, and specialized engineering expertise of these troops.

The use of the Third Corps indicates a coordinated effort between civil engineering requirements and regional strategic planning. These troops are known for their work on various hydropower and transportation projects across China's western regions, bringing a unique blend of military efficiency and technical skill to the construction site. For the Laohuzui station, this meant that the construction phase was likely managed with a high degree of coordination, ensuring that the 102 MW capacity was realized efficiently. The "Laohuzui" name, referring to the "tiger's mouth," may also reflect the rugged geographical features that these engineering troops had to navigate and utilize for the station's layout.

The collaboration between financial investors and the Armed Police Hydropower Troops underscores the multi-faceted approach to energy development in Tibet. It is not merely a commercial venture but also a strategic infrastructure initiative. The successful commissioning in 2011 stands as a testament to this combined effort, providing a reliable source of renewable energy for the region. The project's location in Gongbo Gyamda County places it within a key corridor for energy transmission, further emphasizing the strategic value of the investment and the choice of construction partners. The involvement of such specialized troops ensures that the infrastructure is robust and capable of withstanding the environmental conditions of the Tibetan plateau, securing the long-term operational status of the station.

What are the technical specifications of the station?

The Laohuzui Hydropower Station is a hydroelectric facility located in Gongbo Gyamda County, within the Nyingchi Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. The station draws its power from water resources in the region, situated approximately 343 km from Lhasa. As an operational hydroelectric powerplant, it contributes to the regional energy infrastructure of the Tibetan plateau.

Installed Capacity

The station has a total installed capacity of 102 MW (per and ). This capacity places the Laohuzui Hydropower Station within the range of medium-scale hydroelectric projects, designed to harness the flow of local water bodies to generate electricity for the surrounding areas. The 102 MW output is a key technical specification defining the station's contribution to the local grid.

Operational Status

The Laohuzui Hydropower Station is currently operational. It was commissioned in 2011 (per and ). Since its commissioning, the station has maintained its status as an active energy producer in the Nyingchi Prefecture. The operator of the station is not explicitly specified in the cited sources, though it functions as a key component of the regional hydroelectric network.

Geographic Context

The station is situated in Gongbo Gyamda County, Nyingchi Prefecture, Tibet. Its location approximately 343 km from Lhasa places it in a strategic position for energy distribution within the autonomous region. The hydroelectric nature of the station relies on the water resources available in this mountainous terrain, leveraging the natural flow to generate power. The term "Laohuzui" or "tiger's mouth" highlights the specific local geography that the project utilizes.

Laohuzui Hydropower Station