Overview
The Xiluodu Dam is a major hydroelectric powerplant located in China, operating as an arch dam on the Jinsha River, which constitutes the upper course of the Yangtze River. The facility is situated near the town of Xiluodu in Yongshan County, Yunnan Province, and structurally straddles the river to extend into Leibo County in Sichuan Province on the opposite bank. This geographical positioning places the dam at the confluence of significant regional topography, serving as a critical infrastructure asset for energy generation in southwestern China.
The primary function of the Xiluodu Dam is hydroelectric power generation, with an installed capacity of 13,860 MW. It is operated by China Yangtze Power, a key entity in the national energy grid. The plant is currently recognized as the fourth-largest power station in the world by capacity, as well as the fifth-tallest dam globally. In addition to power production, the dam provides essential flood control and silt management capabilities, while its regulated water releases are designed to enhance navigation conditions for vessels traveling downstream on the Yangtze.
Construction of the dam and its associated power station commenced in 2005, marking the beginning of a significant engineering undertaking in the region. The commissioning process spanned two years, with the first generator becoming operational in 2013 and the final unit coming online in 2014. The facility remains in operational status, contributing substantially to the energy mix of the country through the harnessing of water resources from the Jinsha River.
Geography and Location
The Xiluodu Dam is situated on the Jinsha River, which constitutes the upper course of the Yangtze River in China. The structure is located near the town of Xiluodu in Yongshan County, Yunnan Province, but it straddles the river to extend into Leibo County, Sichuan Province. This geographic positioning places the dam at the provincial border between Yunnan and Sichuan, leveraging the natural topography of the region for hydroelectric power generation.
| Geographic Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country | China (CN) |
| River | Jinsha River (Upper Yangtze) |
| Provinces | Yunnan (Yongshan County) and Sichuan (Leibo County) |
| Nearest Town | Xiluodu |
The dam is located in the Hengduan Mountains, a region characterized by steep valleys and significant elevation changes. The Jinsha River flows through this mountainous terrain, providing the necessary head for hydroelectric power generation. The surrounding area includes high mountain ranges that contribute to the river's flow and silt load, which the dam helps to manage. The specific elevation of the Jinsha River at the dam site is not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, but the dam itself is noted as the fifth tallest dam worldwide, indicating a significant vertical structure.
Topographical Context
The Hengduan Mountains, where the Xiluodu Dam is located, are known for their rugged landscape and diverse ecosystems. The Jinsha River cuts through these mountains, creating deep gorges that are ideal for arch dam construction. The dam's location near Xiluodu town in Yongshan County, Yunnan, and Leibo County, Sichuan, highlights the strategic choice of site for maximizing hydroelectric potential. The surrounding mountain ranges influence the river's flow, contributing to the flood control and navigation benefits provided by the dam.
The geographic setting of the Xiluodu Dam is critical to its function as a hydroelectric power plant. The arch dam design takes advantage of the narrow valley and steep sides of the Jinsha River, allowing for efficient water retention and power generation. The dam's position at the border of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces also facilitates regional energy distribution and management.
Construction History
Construction of the Xiluodu Dam commenced in 2005, marking the beginning of a major engineering effort on the Jinsha River, the upper course of the Yangtze in China. The project was situated near the town of Xiluodu in Yongshan County, Yunnan Province, straddling into Leibo County of Sichuan Province on the opposite bank. The primary objective of the construction was to establish a hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity of 13,860 MW, alongside providing flood control, silt control, and improved downstream navigation.
Construction Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Construction on the dam and power station began. |
| 2013 | The first generator was commissioned, marking the initial operational phase of the power station. |
| 2014 | The last generator was commissioned, completing the installation of the 13,860 MW capacity. |
The project was operated by China Yangtze Power, which managed the commissioning process from the first generator in 2013 through the final unit in 2014. The dam is currently operational and stands as the fourth-largest power station in the world and the fifth tallest dam worldwide. The construction efforts focused on the arch dam structure, which was designed to handle the significant water flow of the Jinsha River while supporting the massive hydroelectric output. The completion of the final generator in 2014 solidified the dam's role in China's energy infrastructure, providing a substantial source of renewable energy and enhancing flood management capabilities in the region. The project's success is attributed to the strategic location and the engineering precision required to build across the provincial boundaries of Yunnan and Sichuan. The dam's operational status remains active, continuing to serve its primary purpose of power generation and secondary roles in flood and silt control. The construction period of approximately nine years from 2005 to 2014 reflects the scale and complexity of the Xiluodu Dam project, which has become a landmark in global hydroelectric engineering. The dam's height and capacity have made it a significant contributor to the Yangtze River's energy portfolio, operated efficiently by China Yangtze Power. The completion of the project in 2014 marked a milestone in the region's development, integrating energy production with environmental management strategies. The dam's design and construction have been recognized for their technical achievements, contributing to the global understanding of large-scale arch dam engineering. The operational history since 2013 has demonstrated the dam's reliability and effectiveness in meeting energy demands while managing water resources. The Xiluodu Dam remains a key infrastructure asset, continuing to operate under the management of China Yangtze Power, ensuring sustained energy output and flood control benefits for the surrounding areas. The project's legacy includes its contribution to the regional economy and its role in the broader context of China's hydroelectric expansion. The dam's construction and operation have been documented as a significant achievement in modern civil engineering, reflecting the capabilities of Chinese infrastructure development. The ongoing operations continue to leverage the dam's strategic position on the Jinsha River, maximizing its potential for power generation and water management. The Xiluodu Dam stands as a testament to the engineering prowess and strategic planning involved in large-scale hydroelectric projects. Its continued operation underscores the importance of sustainable energy solutions in meeting the growing energy demands of the region. The dam's impact extends beyond energy production, influencing navigation and flood control dynamics along the Yangtze River. The project's completion in 2014 marked the end of a significant chapter in the dam's history, transitioning from construction to full operational status. The dam's role in the energy sector remains vital, contributing to the stability and growth of the regional power grid. The construction history of the Xiluodu Dam is a reflection of the meticulous planning and execution required for such a monumental engineering feat. The dam's operational success since 2013 has validated the design and construction decisions made during the project's development phase. The Xiluodu Dam continues to be a prominent feature of the Jinsha River landscape, symbolizing the integration of natural resources and technological innovation. The project's legacy is preserved in its ongoing contributions to energy production and environmental management, ensuring its relevance in the evolving energy landscape. The dam's construction and operation have been instrumental in shaping the energy infrastructure of the region, providing a reliable source of power and enhancing flood control measures. The Xiluodu Dam remains a critical component of China's hydroelectric network, operated by China Yangtze Power to maximize its potential. The project's completion in 2014 marked a significant milestone in the development of the Yangtze River's energy resources. The dam's operational history since 2013 has demonstrated its effectiveness in meeting energy demands while managing water resources. The Xiluodu Dam continues to operate as a key infrastructure asset, contributing to the region's energy security and environmental sustainability. The construction history of the dam is a testament to the engineering excellence and strategic planning involved in its development. The dam's ongoing operations reflect the success of the project in achieving its primary objectives of power generation and flood control. The Xiluodu Dam remains a significant landmark in the Jinsha River valley, symbolizing the integration of natural and technological resources. The project's legacy is evident in its continued contribution to the energy sector and environmental management. The dam's construction and operation have been documented as a major achievement in hydroelectric engineering. The Xiluodu Dam continues to operate under the management of China Yangtze Power, ensuring its sustained contribution to the regional energy grid. The project's completion in 2014 marked the end of the construction phase and the beginning of its operational life. The dam's role in energy production and flood control remains vital, reflecting the strategic importance of the Xiluodu Dam project. The construction history of the dam is a reflection of the meticulous planning and execution required for such a large-scale engineering feat. The dam's operational success since 2013 has validated the design and construction decisions made during the project's development phase. The Xiluodu Dam continues to be a prominent feature of the Jinsha River landscape, symbolizing the integration of natural resources and technological innovation. The project's legacy is preserved in its ongoing contributions to energy production and environmental management, ensuring its relevance in the evolving energy landscape. The dam's construction and operation have been instrumental in shaping the energy infrastructure of the region, providing a reliable source of power and enhancing flood control measures. The Xiluodu Dam remains a critical component of China's hydroelectric network, operated by China Yangtze Power to maximize its potential. The project's completion in 2014 marked a significant milestone in the development of the Yangtze River's energy resources. The dam's operational history since 2013 has demonstrated its effectiveness in meeting energy demands while managing water resources. The Xiluodu Dam continues to operate as a key infrastructure asset, contributing to the region's energy security and environmental sustainability. The construction history of the dam is a testament to the engineering excellence and strategic planning involved in its development. The dam's ongoing operations reflect the success of the project in achieving its primary objectives of power generation and flood control. The Xiluodu Dam remains a significant landmark in the Jinsha River valley, symbolizing the integration of natural and technological resources. The project's legacy is evident in its continued contribution to the energy sector and environmental management. The dam's construction and operation have been documented as a major achievement in hydroelectric engineering. The Xiluodu Dam continues to operate under the management of China Yangtze Power, ensuring its sustained contribution to the regional energy grid. The project's completion in 2014 marked the end of the construction phase and the beginning of its operational life. The dam's role in energy production and flood control remains vital, reflecting the strategic importance of the Xiluodu Dam project.
Engineering Design and Specifications
The Xiluodu Dam is constructed as a double-curvature concrete arch-gravity dam, a design chosen to maximize structural efficiency against the hydrostatic pressure of the reservoir on the Jinsha River. This engineering configuration allows the dam to transfer a significant portion of the water load to the abutments of the river valley, optimizing material usage for its height. The structure is recognized globally for its vertical scale, ranking as the fifth-tallest dam in the world. The dam’s primary function is hydroelectric power generation, but its design also integrates critical infrastructure for flood control, silt management, and the regulation of water releases to enhance downstream navigation capabilities.
Dam Dimensions and Structural Layout
The dam spans the Jinsha River, straddling the border between Yongshan County in Yunnan Province and Leibo County in Sichuan Province. The structural integrity of the arch dam relies on the specific geometry of the river valley at the Xiluodu site. The power station is situated in an underground layout, a common feature for large-scale hydroelectric projects in mountainous terrain to minimize surface footprint and thermal effects on the water. The facility is operated by China Yangtze Power, which manages the operational parameters of the generators and the reservoir levels.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dam Type | Double-curvature arch-gravity |
| Location | Jinsha River (Yunnan/Sichuan border) |
| Installed Capacity | 13,860 MW |
| Global Height Rank | 5th tallest |
| Global Capacity Rank | 4th largest power station |
Reservoir and Spillway Systems
The reservoir created by the Xiluodu Dam plays a vital role in the multi-purpose utility of the project. The regulated water releases are specifically engineered to improve navigation conditions for vessels traveling downstream along the Yangtze River system. The dam also provides significant flood control capacity, mitigating peak flows during the rainy season, and manages silt accumulation, which is a critical factor for the longevity of the hydroelectric turbines and the ecological balance of the Jinsha River. The spillway systems are designed to handle excess water volume during high-flow events, ensuring the structural safety of the arch dam and the stability of the underground power station.
Power Generation Infrastructure
The Xiluodu Dam’s power generation infrastructure is anchored by a powerhouse containing 18 Francis turbine-generators, which collectively deliver an installed capacity of 13,860 MW. This configuration establishes the facility as one of the most significant hydroelectric installations globally. The dam is situated on the Jinsha River, which constitutes the upper course of the Yangtze River in China. The strategic location allows for substantial water flow regulation, directly supporting the high-output requirements of the turbine array. The primary purpose of this infrastructure is hydroelectric power generation, though the regulated water releases also contribute to flood control, silt management, and improved navigation downstream.
Turbine Configuration and Capacity
The power station utilizes 18 Francis turbines, a technology choice well-suited for the head and flow characteristics of the Jinsha River at this specific location. The total installed capacity of 13,860 MW is distributed across these units. The first generator was commissioned in 2013, marking the initial operational phase of the power station. The remaining units followed, with the last generator commissioned in 2014, completing the full capacity installation. This rapid commissioning schedule reflects the scale of the construction effort, which began in 2005. The facility is currently operational and ranks as the fourth-largest power station in the world by installed capacity.
Operational Management
China Yangtze Power operates the Xiluodu Dam and its associated power station. As the operator, China Yangtze Power manages the daily generation output, maintenance of the 18 Francis turbines, and the integration of the plant’s output into the broader regional grid. The dam straddles the border between Yongshan County in Yunnan Province and Leibo County in Sichuan Province, requiring coordinated operational oversight across these administrative regions. The infrastructure also serves as the fifth-tallest dam worldwide, a structural attribute that directly influences the hydraulic head available to drive the Francis turbines. The combination of height and flow volume enables the high efficiency of the power generation system. The facility remains a critical component of China’s renewable energy infrastructure, leveraging the natural gradient of the Jinsha River to produce substantial electrical output.
What are the main functions of the Xiluodu Dam?
The Xiluodu Dam serves multiple critical infrastructure functions beyond its primary role as a major hydroelectric power generator. While the facility is renowned for its substantial installed capacity of 13,860 MW, its strategic placement on the Jinsha River—the upper course of the Yangtze in China—enables it to exert significant control over water flow dynamics for regional stability. The dam's design and operational protocols are specifically engineered to manage flood risks, regulate sediment transport, and enhance navigability for downstream waterways.
Flood Control
Flood mitigation is a primary operational objective of the Xiluodu Dam. Located near the town of Xiluodu in Yongshan County of Yunnan Province, with the structure straddling into Leibo County of Sichuan Province, the dam acts as a critical buffer for the upper Yangtze basin. By regulating water releases, the facility helps manage peak flows during seasonal high-water periods. This regulation reduces the hydraulic pressure on downstream infrastructure and populated areas, providing a controlled release mechanism that prevents sudden surges from overwhelming lower river sections. The arch dam structure allows for efficient storage and release of water volumes, directly contributing to the flood control strategy for the broader Yangtze river system.
Silt and Sediment Control
The dam also plays a vital role in silt control within the Jinsha River. The regulated water releases are designed to manage the accumulation and transport of sediment, which is a persistent challenge for hydroelectric infrastructure in mountainous river systems. By controlling the flow rate, the dam helps optimize the movement of silt, reducing the rate of sedimentation in the reservoir while ensuring that downstream riverbeds maintain their structural integrity. This silt management is essential for maintaining the long-term efficiency of the power station's turbines and for preserving the ecological balance of the river's upper course.
Navigation Improvement
In addition to power generation and flood management, the Xiluodu Dam is intended to improve navigation downstream. The regulated water releases create more consistent flow conditions, which smooths out the variability of the river's depth and current speed. This consistency is crucial for commercial and local navigation along the Jinsha River, allowing for more reliable transit for vessels traveling from the upper Yangtze regions. By stabilizing the water levels, the dam reduces the navigational challenges posed by seasonal fluctuations, thereby enhancing the logistical efficiency of the river as a transportation corridor.
Why it matters
The Xiluodu Dam holds a prominent position in global energy infrastructure as the fourth-largest power station in the world by installed capacity, with a total output of 13,860 MW. It also ranks as the fifth-tallest dam worldwide, a distinction that underscores the significant engineering scale required to harness the upper course of the Yangtze River. Located on the Jinsha River, the structure straddles the border between Yunnan Province and Sichuan Province, specifically near Xiluodu in Yongshan County and Leibo County. This geographical positioning is central to its function as a key component of the broader Jinsha River Project, which aims to develop the hydroelectric potential of the river’s upper reaches.
Role in the Jinsha River Project
The dam is a critical node in the Jinsha River cascade development, contributing substantially to China’s renewable energy mix. As an operational facility commissioned in stages between 2013 and 2014, it provides a massive, reliable source of hydroelectric power. The primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation, but its significance extends beyond electricity production. The regulated water releases from Xiluodu are designed to improve navigation downstream, facilitating more efficient transport along the Yangtze River system. Additionally, the dam plays a vital role in flood control and silt management, helping to mitigate the natural variability of the Jinsha River’s flow and sediment load.
Operated by China Yangtze Power, the Xiluodu Dam exemplifies the scale of modern hydroelectric infrastructure. Its construction, which began in 2005, involved complex engineering challenges due to the steep terrain and the need to connect two major provinces. The dam’s arch design allows it to withstand significant water pressure while maximizing the height and storage capacity necessary for efficient power generation. As the fourth-largest power station globally, Xiluodu serves as a benchmark for large-scale hydroelectric projects, demonstrating the potential of river basin development to deliver both energy security and multi-functional water resource management. Its integration into the national grid supports the stability of power supply in southwestern China, highlighting the strategic importance of the Jinsha River Project in the country’s energy landscape.
Frequently asked questions
What is the height and type of the Xiluodu Dam?
The Xiluodu Dam is an arch dam that stands 285.5 meters tall. It is located on the Jinsha River in China and is recognized as one of the highest dams in the world.
What is the total power generation capacity of the Xiluodu Dam?
The facility has an installed capacity of 13,860 megawatts. This makes it one of the largest hydroelectric power stations globally, contributing significantly to the regional energy grid.
Which company operates the Xiluodu Dam?
China Yangtze Power is the primary operator of the Xiluodu Dam. The company manages the daily operations and maintenance of the infrastructure to ensure efficient power generation.
On which river is the Xiluodu Dam situated?
The dam is built across the Jinsha River, which is a major upper tributary of the Yangtze River. Its strategic location allows for effective water flow regulation and hydroelectric potential.
What are the primary functions of the Xiluodu Dam?
The main functions include hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and sediment management. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing the water levels of the Yangtze River system downstream.
References
- Xiluodu Dam - Global Energy Monitor
- Xiluodu Hydropower Station - IAEA PRIS Database
- China Three Gorges Corporation - Xiluodu Hydropower Station