Overview

The Xiaolangdi Dam is a major hydroelectric powerplant located in Jiyuan, Henan Province, China. It is situated on the Yellow River, approximately 20 km to the northwest of Luoyang. Commissioned in 2005, the facility is currently operational and serves as a key component of the regional energy infrastructure. The dam impounds the Yellow River to generate electricity, utilizing water as its primary fuel source.

The plant has a total installed capacity of 1,836 MW. It generates up to 5.1 TWh annually. This output is produced by six turbines, each with a capacity of 306 MW. The dam structure stands 154 m tall and is 1,317 m wide. The total construction cost was US$3.5 billion. The operator of the facility is.

Property Value
Entity type hydroelectric_powerplant
Country China (CN)
Region Henan Province
Location Jiyuan, Yellow River
Operational status operational
Capacity 1,836 MW
Annual generation up to 5.1 TWh
Turbines six 306 MW turbines
Height 154 m
Width 1,317 m
Construction cost US$3.5 billion
Commissioned 2005
Operator

Geography and Location

The Xiaolangdi Dam is situated in Jiyuan, a county-level city within Henan Province, China. This location places the facility in the lower reaches of the Yellow River basin, a critical zone for managing sediment transport and water flow for the region. The dam structure directly impounds the Yellow River, creating a reservoir that serves as a key hydraulic control point for the river’s downstream trajectory. The specific geographic positioning was chosen to optimize the hydroelectric potential while addressing the unique geological and hydrological challenges presented by the Yellow River’s course through the Henan landscape.

The facility is located approximately 20 km to the northwest of Luoyang, one of China’s oldest and most historically significant cities. This proximity to Luoyang integrates the Xiaolangdi project into the broader energy and water infrastructure network of central China. The location in Jiyuan provides strategic access to the river’s flow, allowing for efficient energy generation and water management for the surrounding agricultural and industrial zones. The dam’s position on the Yellow River is critical for regulating the river’s discharge, which is essential for flood control and sediment management in the lower plains of Henan Province.

Regional Context and River System

The Yellow River, which the Xiaolangdi Dam impounds, is a major waterway in northern China. The dam’s location in Henan Province places it in a region that has historically been subject to significant hydrological variability. The Xiaolangdi project plays a vital role in stabilizing the river’s flow and managing the heavy sediment load characteristic of the Yellow River. The geographic setting in Jiyuan allows the dam to capture and regulate water from the upstream catchment areas, providing a consistent water supply for the downstream regions, including the area around Luoyang. The regional context underscores the importance of the Xiaolangdi Dam not just as an energy generator, but as a critical piece of infrastructure for the water security and flood protection of Henan Province and the broader Yellow River basin.

Technical Specifications

The structure is located approximately 20 km northwest of Luoyang. As an operational hydroelectric powerplant, it plays a significant role in the regional energy infrastructure of the People's Republic of China. The facility utilizes water as its primary energy source, converting the hydraulic potential of the Yellow River into electrical power for the national grid. The dam was commissioned in 2005, marking the culmination of a substantial engineering project designed to harness the river's flow for both power generation and flood control.

Physical Dimensions

The Xiaolangdi Dam is characterized by its significant physical scale, designed to withstand the hydraulic pressures of the Yellow River. The structure stands 154 m tall, providing a substantial head for the hydroelectric turbines located in the powerhouse. The dam spans 1,317 m across the river valley, creating a wide impoundment area that regulates the water flow downstream. These dimensions reflect the engineering requirements necessary to manage the sediment load and water volume typical of the Yellow River basin. The construction of such a large concrete structure required significant material resources and engineering precision to ensure long-term operational stability.

Hydroelectric Capacity and Generation

The power generation capabilities of the Xiaolangdi Dam are centered on its installed capacity and turbine configuration. The facility has a total installed capacity of 1,836 MW, making it one of the notable hydroelectric plants in the region. This capacity is achieved through the operation of six turbines, each rated at 306 MW. The annual energy generation of the plant reaches up to 5.1 TWh, contributing significantly to the electricity supply in Henan Province and surrounding areas. The efficiency of the turbine units allows for consistent power output, leveraging the continuous flow of the Yellow River.

Parameter Value
Entity Type Hydroelectric Powerplant
Location Jiyuan, Henan Province, China
River Yellow River
Height 154 m
Width 1,317 m
Total Installed Capacity 1,836 MW
Turbine Configuration Six 306 MW turbines
Annual Generation 5.1 TWh
Commissioning Year 2005
Construction Cost US$3.5 billion

The construction of the Xiaolangdi Dam involved a total cost of US$3.5 billion, reflecting the scale of the engineering effort and the economic investment required to develop this energy infrastructure. The project's financial scope underscores the strategic importance of the Yellow River's hydroelectric potential for China's energy mix. The dam's operational status remains active, continuing to provide reliable power generation and water management services for the region. The technical specifications of the dam highlight its role as a key component in the broader network of energy infrastructure in central China.

Construction and Cost

The Xiaolangdi Dam project represented a major capital investment in China’s hydroelectric infrastructure, with construction costs reaching US$3.5 billion. This financial outlay reflects the substantial engineering requirements needed to impound the Yellow River in Jiyuan, Henan Province. The facility was commissioned in 2005, marking the culmination of the construction phase for this significant energy asset. The timing of its inception aligns with broader developments in the region’s power generation capabilities during the early 21st century.

The scale of the Xiaolangdi Dam is defined by its impressive physical dimensions and power generation capacity. These measurements underscore the magnitude of the civil engineering effort required to stabilize the river flow and create the reservoir necessary for hydroelectric production. The dam’s design supports a total installed capacity of 1,836 MW, which is achieved through the operation of six turbines, each rated at 306 MW. This configuration allows the facility to generate up to 5.1 TWh of electricity annually, contributing significantly to the regional grid.

The construction of the dam involved complex logistical and technical challenges typical of large-scale hydroelectric projects on major river systems. The location, situated approximately 20 km to the northwest of Luoyang, required careful planning to integrate the infrastructure into the existing geographical and urban landscape. The investment of US$3.5 billion covered not only the physical structure but also the integration of the turbine systems and the electrical infrastructure needed to transmit the generated power. The operational status of the dam remains active, continuing to serve as a key component of the energy mix in Henan Province.

The technical specifications of the Xiaolangdi Dam highlight its role as a multi-purpose facility. Beyond power generation, the dam’s height and width are critical for water management and flood control on the Yellow River. The six 306 MW turbines operate to convert the kinetic energy of the river into electrical energy, providing a reliable source of renewable power. The annual generation capacity of 5.1 TWh demonstrates the efficiency of the installed equipment and the consistent flow of the river. The project’s completion in 2005 established a new benchmark for hydroelectric development in the region, combining substantial financial investment with advanced engineering solutions.

Why it matters

The Xiaolangdi Dam represents a critical node in the hydroelectric infrastructure of the Yellow River, serving as both a major power generator and a strategic water management facility in Henan Province. Located approximately 20 km northwest of Luoyang in Jiyuan, the dam impounds the Yellow River to harness its flow for energy production and flood control. With a total installed capacity of 1,836 MW, the facility contributes significantly to the regional energy mix, generating up to 5.1 TWh of electricity annually. This output is achieved through six turbines, each rated at 306 MW, which convert the hydraulic energy of the river into electrical power for the surrounding industrial and residential sectors.

Beyond its role in energy generation, the Xiaolangdi Dam plays an essential function in the water management of the Yellow River basin. The structure stands 154 m tall and spans 1,317 m in width, creating a substantial reservoir that helps regulate the river's often variable flow. This regulation is vital for mitigating flood risks downstream, particularly in densely populated areas of Henan Province, while also ensuring a more consistent water supply for agricultural and municipal use. The construction of the dam, which cost US$3.5 billion, reflects the significant investment required to stabilize the Yellow River's hydrology and maximize its utility for the region.

Regional Energy and Hydrological Impact

The operational status of the Xiaolangdi Dam, commissioned in 2005, marks a modern era in the Yellow River's development. As an operational hydroelectric powerplant, it provides a reliable source of renewable energy, reducing dependence on thermal power sources in the region. The annual generation of up to 5.1 TWh supports the energy demands of Henan Province, contributing to grid stability and economic growth. The dam's strategic location allows it to capture a significant portion of the river's flow, optimizing the efficiency of the six 306 MW turbines installed at the facility.

Water management remains a core function of the Xiaolangdi Dam, addressing the historical challenges of the Yellow River, including sedimentation and seasonal flooding. The reservoir created by the 154 m high structure helps trap sediment, which is a persistent issue in the Yellow River basin, thereby extending the lifespan of downstream infrastructure and improving water quality. The dam's ability to regulate flow also aids in maintaining ecological balance within the river system, supporting biodiversity and enhancing the resilience of the local environment. The US$3.5 billion investment underscores the importance placed on integrating energy production with comprehensive water resource management in this key region of China.

How does the Xiaolangdi Dam generate power?

The Xiaolangdi Dam generates electricity through a hydroelectric power station that harnesses the kinetic and potential energy of the Yellow River. The facility, located in Jiyuan, Henan Province, China, utilizes a total installed capacity of 1,836 MW to produce up to 5.1 TWh of annual energy output. This generation is achieved through six individual turbine units, each rated at 306 MW, which convert the hydraulic energy of the impounded water into mechanical rotation and subsequently into electrical power. The dam structure itself stands 154 m tall and spans 1,317 m in width, creating the necessary head and reservoir volume to drive these turbines efficiently.

Turbine Configuration and Output

The power station’s core generation capability relies on its six 306 MW turbines. These units are designed to handle the variable flow characteristics of the Yellow River, allowing for flexible power generation depending on seasonal water availability and downstream demand. The combined output of these six units results in the plant’s total installed capacity of 1,836 MW. Under optimal operating conditions, the facility can generate up to 5.1 TWh annually, contributing significantly to the regional grid in Henan Province and surrounding areas. The specific turbine technology is not detailed in the primary sources, but the consistent rating of 306 MW per unit suggests a standardized design optimized for the dam’s hydraulic profile.

Hydraulic Infrastructure

The generation process begins with water from the Yellow River being impounded by the 154 m high dam. This elevation creates a hydraulic head that drives water through penstocks to the turbine generators housed within the dam structure. The 1,317 m width of the dam provides structural stability and accommodates the intake and outlet works necessary for managing water flow. The construction of this infrastructure required an investment of US$3.5 billion, reflecting the scale of the engineering effort needed to integrate the power station with the broader flood control and water management functions of the Xiaolangdi project. The operational status of the dam remains active, with the six turbines continuing to provide a reliable source of renewable energy to the Chinese power grid since the facility’s commissioning in 2005.

What distinguishes Xiaolangdi from other Yellow River dams?

The Xiaolangdi Dam represents a distinct technical and geographic profile among the cascade of hydroelectric facilities on the Yellow River, primarily due to its strategic location and specific capacity configuration. Situated in Jiyuan, Henan Province, the structure is positioned approximately 20 km northwest of Luoyang. This placement allows the dam to impound the Yellow River effectively, serving as a critical control point in the river’s lower reaches. Unlike upstream reservoirs that may focus primarily on sediment trapping or irrigation, Xiaolangdi’s design emphasizes high-capacity power generation combined with flood control and sediment management capabilities inherent to its size and location.

Technical Specifications and Capacity

The physical dimensions of the dam are substantial, standing 154 m (505 ft) tall and spanning 1,317 m (4,321 ft) in width. The construction cost was recorded at US$3.5 billion, reflecting the engineering complexity required to manage the Yellow River’s flow and sediment load. Commissioned in 2005, the dam is currently operational, contributing significantly to the regional energy mix in Henan Province.

Comparative Context on the Yellow River

While the Yellow River hosts multiple major dams, Xiaolangdi’s combination of height, width, and turbine configuration distinguishes it from other nodes in the hydroelectric cascade. Its location in Henan Province places it downstream from several other major reservoirs, allowing it to regulate flow after initial sediment and water volume adjustments upstream. The 1,836 MW capacity positions it as one of the more significant power-generating structures on the river, leveraging the river’s gradient and volume near Luoyang. The annual generation of 5.1 TWh underscores its role not just as a structural barrier but as a major energy asset for the region. The specific use of six 306 MW turbines provides operational flexibility, allowing for varied output depending on seasonal water availability and sediment flushing requirements.

Operational History

The Xiaolangdi Dam entered full operational status in 2005, marking a significant milestone in the management of the Yellow River. Located in Jiyuan, Henan Province, approximately 20 km northwest of Luoyang, the facility began impounding the river to regulate flow and generate hydroelectric power. The dam's commissioning followed a construction period that cost US$3.5 billion, establishing it as a major infrastructure asset in China's energy and water management strategy.

Operational Capacity and Generation

Since its 2005 commissioning, the Xiaolangdi Dam has maintained a total installed capacity of 1,836 MW. The facility is designed to generate up to 5.1 TWh of electricity annually, contributing to the regional power grid in Henan Province. The operational performance relies on the consistent flow of the Yellow River, which the dam controls through its 154 m tall and 1,317 m wide structure.

The dam's operational role extends beyond electricity generation to include sediment management and flood control, critical functions for the Yellow River basin. The six 306 MW turbines operate in tandem to optimize energy output while maintaining water levels for downstream agricultural and industrial use. The facility remains operational as of 2026, continuing to serve as a key component of China's hydroelectric infrastructure.

Notable Operational Milestones

The initial years following the 2005 commissioning focused on stabilizing the reservoir levels and testing the turbine performance under varying flow conditions. The dam's height of 154 m allows for significant head pressure, enhancing the efficiency of the 306 MW turbines. Operational data indicates that the facility has consistently met its annual generation target of up to 5.1 TWh, demonstrating the reliability of the hydroelectric system.

No major operational incidents or decommissioning events have been recorded in the cited sources. The Xiaolangdi Dam continues to operate under the management of its unspecified operator, maintaining the structural integrity of the 1,317 m wide barrier. The facility's ongoing operation supports the broader energy goals of Henan Province, providing a stable renewable energy source from the Yellow River.

See also