Overview

The Wawushan Dam is a major hydroelectric infrastructure project located in Hongya County, Sichuan Province, China. Situated on the Zhougonghe River, the facility is positioned 34 km (21 mi) south of Ya'an. The structure is classified as a concrete-face rock-fill dam, a design choice that combines the flexibility of rock-fill embankments with the watertight integrity of a concrete face slab. This engineering approach is particularly suited to the topographical and geological conditions of the Sichuan region, allowing for efficient water retention and power generation capabilities.

The primary purpose of the Wawushan Dam is hydroelectric power generation. It supports a power station with an installed capacity of 260 MW, contributing to the regional energy grid in southwestern China. The dam withholds a substantial reservoir with a total capacity of 545,000,000 m3 (441,839 acre⋅ft). The structure itself stands 138 m (453 ft) tall, providing significant hydraulic head for the turbines located within the power station. This combination of height and reservoir volume enables consistent energy output, leveraging the natural flow of the Zhougonghe River.

Construction of the Wawushan Dam commenced on 28 February 2003. The project progressed over several years, with the dam beginning to impound its reservoir on 10 April 2007. This phase marked a critical milestone in the project, as the water levels rose to test the structural integrity of the concrete face and the rock-fill core. Following the initial impoundment, the power station underwent commissioning in early 2008. The first generator became operational on 8 January 2008, followed by the second generator on 4 February 2008. These dates confirm the facility's transition from construction to active service, establishing its status as an operational asset in the Chinese energy infrastructure landscape.

Geography and Location

The Wawushan Dam is situated in Hongya County, within Sichuan Province, China. It is constructed on the Zhougonghe River, a key waterway in the region that serves as the primary source for the hydroelectric power generation facility. The dam's strategic placement allows it to effectively harness the river's flow for energy production, supporting the operational status of the power station. The location is characterized by its proximity to major regional centers, specifically located 34 km (21 mi) south of Ya'an, a significant city in the Sichuan Basin. This positioning facilitates logistical access and grid connectivity for the 260 MW power station.

Geographic Parameters

Parameter Value
Country China (CN)
Province Sichuan
County Hongya County
River Zhougonghe River
Distance from Ya'an 34 km (21 mi) south
Dam Height 138 m (453 ft)
Reservoir Capacity 545,000,000 m3 (441,839 acre⋅ft)

The dam structure itself is a concrete-face rock-fill dam, standing 138 m (453 ft) tall. This height allows it to withhold a substantial reservoir with a capacity of 545,000,000 m3 (441,839 acre⋅ft). The geographic setting of the Zhougonghe River in Hongya County provides the necessary topographical conditions for such a large-scale water retention structure. The reservoir's volume is critical for maintaining consistent water flow to the turbines, ensuring the reliability of the 260 MW output. The location's elevation and river gradient contribute to the hydroelectric potential, making it a vital infrastructure asset in Sichuan Province's energy mix. The proximity to Ya'an also implies integration with the regional transmission network, facilitating the distribution of generated power to urban and industrial consumers in the area.

Engineering and Technical Specifications

Dam Structure and Type

The Wawushan Dam is a concrete-face rock-fill structure located on the Zhougonghe River in Hongya County, Sichuan Province, China. This dam type utilizes a core of compacted rock fill covered by a concrete slab face, providing flexibility and strength suitable for the local topography. The dam reaches a height of 138 m (453 ft), creating a significant barrier for water retention and hydroelectric generation. The structural design supports the primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, accommodating the flow and pressure of the Zhougonghe River. The dam is situated 34 km (21 mi) south of Ya'an, integrating into the regional landscape while serving as a critical infrastructure component for energy production in the area.

Reservoir Capacity

This substantial volume allows for effective water storage, ensuring a consistent water supply for the hydroelectric power station. The reservoir's size is crucial for managing seasonal variations in water flow, optimizing power generation efficiency. The impoundment process began on 10 April 2007, marking a key milestone in the dam's operational timeline. The reservoir not only supports energy production but also contributes to local water resource management, enhancing the utility of the Zhougonghe River for the surrounding region.

Parameter Value
Dam Type Concrete-face rock-fill
Height 138 m (453 ft)
Reservoir Capacity 545,000,000 m3 (441,839 acre⋅ft)
Location Zhougonghe River, Hongya County, Sichuan Province, China
Distance from Ya'an 34 km (21 mi) south

Construction History

This specific dam type utilizes a rock-fill core faced with concrete slabs to withstand hydrostatic pressure and support the reservoir. The construction timeline spanned approximately five years from the initial groundbreaking to the full operational status of the power station.

Reservoir Impoundment

A critical milestone in the construction phase was the beginning of reservoir impoundment. On 10 April 2007, the dam began to withhold water, creating the reservoir necessary for hydroelectric generation. This impoundment process marked the transition from structural construction to functional testing of the dam's water-retention capabilities. The location of the dam is situated 34 km (21 mi) south of Ya'an, positioning it strategically within the regional hydrological network of Sichuan Province.

Generator Commissioning

Following the impoundment phase, the power station underwent sequential commissioning of its generators. This initial commissioning allowed for preliminary power output and system stability tests. The second generator followed shortly after, becoming operational on 4 February 2008. These two generators collectively support the power station's total capacity of 260 MW. The rapid succession of the two commissioning dates indicates an efficient finalization phase for the hydroelectric facility. By early 2008, the Wawushan Dam had achieved its primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, entering its operational status as a concrete-face rock-fill hydroelectric plant in China.

Hydroelectric Power Generation

The Wawushan Dam supports a dedicated hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity of 260 MW. This facility serves as the primary energy generation asset for the concrete-face rock-fill dam structure located on the Zhougonghe River in Hongya County, Sichuan Province, China. The power station is integral to the dam's design, converting the hydraulic head provided by the 138 m (453 ft) tall dam into electrical output for regional distribution.

Operational Timeline and Commissioning

The operational history of the Wawushan power station is defined by a precise commissioning sequence that began in early 2008. Construction of the dam infrastructure commenced on 28 February 2003, establishing the foundation for the hydroelectric facility. The reservoir began to impound water on 10 April 2007, marking the initial phase of hydraulic loading prior to full generator synchronization.

The first generator became operational on 8 January 2008, initiating power output for the station. This milestone was followed shortly after by the commissioning of the second generator on 4 February 2008. The rapid succession of these two commissioning dates indicates a phased startup strategy, allowing for operational testing of individual units before the station reached its full combined capacity. The operational status of the plant is currently listed as operational, having maintained continuous service since its initial startup in the first quarter of 2008.

Technical Specifications and Reservoir Capacity

The hydroelectric generation capability is directly linked to the reservoir's storage volume and the dam's structural height. This significant storage volume provides the necessary water mass to drive the turbines, supporting the 260 MW output rating of the power station. The concrete-face rock-fill construction method provides the structural integrity required to maintain the hydraulic head necessary for efficient power generation.

The location of the facility, situated 34 km (21 mi) south of Ya'an, positions the power station within a key geographic corridor in Sichuan Province, facilitating transmission to regional grid networks. The operational parameters established during the 2008 commissioning have defined the baseline performance metrics for the Wawushan hydroelectric project.

Why it matters

The Wawushan Dam represents a significant component of the hydroelectric infrastructure in Sichuan Province, China, contributing to the regional energy mix through its 260 MW power station. Located on the Zhougonghe River in Hongya County, the facility is situated 34 km south of Ya'an, placing it within a key geographic corridor for energy transmission and distribution in the southwestern region of China. The dam's primary function is hydroelectric power generation, which supports the growing energy demands of the area while leveraging the natural topography of the Zhougonghe River basin.

Regional Energy Infrastructure

In Sichuan Province, hydroelectric power plays a crucial role in the energy landscape, and the Wawushan Dam is no exception. The 260 MW capacity of the Wawushan power station adds to the province's substantial hydroelectric output, helping to stabilize the grid and provide a renewable energy source for both local consumption and potential export to neighboring regions. The dam's location on the Zhougonghe River allows it to harness the river's flow efficiently, contributing to the overall energy security of the area.

The construction of the Wawushan Dam began on 28 February 2003, and the dam started impounding its reservoir on 10 April 2007. This timeline reflects the strategic planning and execution involved in integrating the dam into the regional energy infrastructure, ensuring that it could quickly become a reliable source of power for the province.

Zhougonghe River Basin Development

The Wawushan Dam also plays a vital role in the development of the Zhougonghe River basin. The dam, standing 138 m tall, withholds a reservoir with a capacity of 545,000,000 m3, which not only supports power generation but also aids in water management and flood control within the basin. This reservoir capacity is crucial for maintaining consistent water flow for hydroelectric generation, especially during seasonal variations in rainfall and river discharge.

By regulating the flow of the Zhougonghe River, the Wawushan Dam helps to mitigate flooding risks for downstream communities and agricultural lands, while also ensuring a steady supply of water for irrigation and other uses. This multi-functional approach to river basin development enhances the overall resilience of the region, making the Wawushan Dam a key infrastructure asset in Hongya County and the broader Sichuan Province.

The concrete-face rock-fill design of the Wawushan Dam is well-suited to the geological conditions of the Zhougonghe River, providing a robust and cost-effective solution for harnessing the river's hydroelectric potential. This engineering choice reflects the careful consideration of local materials and topography, ensuring the dam's longevity and efficiency in power generation.

What are the key features of concrete-face rock-fill dams?

The Wawushan Dam is constructed as a concrete-face rock-fill (CFR) dam, a specific engineering design chosen for its structural efficiency and material utilization. This dam type consists of a central core of compacted rock fill, which provides the primary mass and stability, overlaid with a thin, continuous slab of reinforced concrete that serves as the primary water-tight facing. This configuration allows for the use of locally sourced rock materials, reducing the volume of concrete required compared to traditional gravity or arch dams, while maintaining high impermeability.

At Wawushan, this CFR structure reaches a height of 138 meters (453 feet), a significant scale that demonstrates the capability of this dam type to manage substantial hydrostatic pressure. The concrete face acts as a flexible yet durable barrier against the reservoir water, accommodating minor settlements in the underlying rock fill without cracking. This flexibility is particularly advantageous in regions with varied geological foundations, as the rock fill can adjust to ground movements more effectively than a rigid concrete monolith.

The design directly supports the dam's primary function: hydroelectric power generation. The CFR structure withholds a reservoir with a capacity of 545,000,000 cubic meters (441,839 acre⋅ft), creating the necessary head and volume to drive the 260 MW power station. The construction timeline reflects the complexity of this build, beginning on 28 February 2003. The dam began to impound its reservoir on 10 April 2007, marking the transition from structural assembly to operational testing. The first generator became operational on 8 January 2008, followed by the second on 4 February 2008, confirming the structural integrity and hydraulic performance of the concrete face and rock-fill core.

Compared to earth-fill dams, CFR dams offer a more precise control over seepage through the concrete slab, reducing the need for extensive downstream drainage systems. Unlike concrete gravity dams, which rely entirely on the weight of the concrete to resist water pressure, CFR dams leverage the frictional strength of the rock fill, often resulting in faster construction cycles and lower material costs for the core. The successful operation of the Wawushan Dam since 2008 validates the CFR design as a robust solution for medium-to-large scale hydroelectric projects in the Sichuan Province region, balancing structural resilience with economic efficiency.

How does the Wawushan Dam compare to other dams in Sichuan?

The Wawushan Dam represents a significant, yet mid-sized, component of the hydroelectric infrastructure within Sichuan Province, China. With a total installed capacity of 260 MW, the facility is classified as a medium-scale hydroelectric power station. This classification is determined by its output relative to the broader spectrum of hydraulic projects in the region, which ranges from small run-of-the-river installations to massive gigawatt-scale reservoirs. The dam’s primary function is hydroelectric power generation, supported by a concrete-face rock-fill structure that stands 138 m tall and withholds a reservoir capacity of 545,000,000 m3.

Regional Context and Scale

In the context of Sichuan’s energy landscape, the Wawushan Dam’s 260 MW output places it below the threshold of the province’s largest hydroelectric giants. Sichuan is home to several major hydropower stations, such as the Ertank Dam and the Xiluodu Dam, which each possess capacities measured in thousands of megawatts. These larger facilities often dominate regional grid stability and export capacity. In contrast, the Wawushan Dam serves a more localized or supplementary role within the provincial grid. Its location on the Zhougonghe River in Hongya County, situated 34 km south of Ya'an, indicates its strategic placement to harness water resources in the western Sichuan basin.

The construction timeline of the Wawushan Dam also reflects typical development patterns for medium-sized projects in the region. This rapid commissioning phase, spanning less than a year for both units, is characteristic of projects with two main generator units, allowing for a swift return on investment compared to multi-unit mega-projects that may take years to fully synchronize.

Technical Characteristics

The technical design of the Wawushan Dam, specifically its concrete-face rock-fill construction, is a common choice for dams in the mountainous terrain of Sichuan. This type of dam utilizes a core of rock-fill material faced with a concrete slab, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness for sites with specific geological conditions. The reservoir capacity of 545,000,000 m3 provides a moderate storage capability, allowing for some regulation of water flow and power output, although it does not offer the extensive multi-year storage seen in larger reservoirs. The dam’s operational status remains active, contributing to the diverse mix of hydroelectric sources that characterize Sichuan’s energy infrastructure. The facility’s design and scale are optimized for the specific hydrological characteristics of the Zhougonghe River, balancing energy output with the geographical constraints of the Hongya County location.

See also