Jiudianxia Dam is a concrete-face rock-fill dam located on the Tao River in Jonê County, Gansu Province, China. Standing at 136.5 meters (448 feet) tall, the structure serves dual purposes of water conservation and hydroelectric power generation.
Construction began in 2005 and was completed in 2008. The dam creates a reservoir with a capacity of 943 million cubic meters (764,503 acre-feet) and houses a power station with an installed capacity of 300 MW.
Overview
The Jiudianxia Dam is a major hydraulic engineering structure situated on the Tao River within Jonê County, Gansu Province, China. As a concrete-face rock-fill dam, it represents a significant infrastructure project designed to manage water resources and generate renewable energy in the region. The facility serves dual primary functions: conserving water for downstream usage and producing hydroelectricity to support local and regional power grids. Its construction marks a key development in the utilization of the Tao River's flow for economic and environmental stability in Gansu.
Standing at a height of 136.5 meters (448 feet), the dam creates a substantial reservoir with a total capacity of 943,000,000 cubic meters (764,503 acre-feet). This storage volume allows for effective regulation of the river's flow, providing critical water conservation benefits during dry periods and flood control during peak runoff seasons. The integrated power station features an installed capacity of 300 MW, contributing significantly to the hydroelectric output of the area. The scale of the reservoir and the height of the structure reflect the engineering requirements needed to harness the potential of the Tao River in this specific geographic setting.
Construction of the Jiudianxia Dam commenced in 2005, initiating a multi-year building phase that transformed the local landscape. The project was completed in 2008, bringing the facility to full operational status within a three-year timeline. This period of development involved the erection of the concrete-face rock-fill structure and the installation of the hydroelectric generation equipment. The completion of the dam in 2008 marked the beginning of its active role in water management and energy production for Jonê County and the broader Gansu Province. The project's timeline reflects a focused effort to integrate modern hydroelectric technology into the regional infrastructure network.
Geography and Setting
The structure is situated within the administrative boundaries of Jonê County, a second-level subdivision located in Gansu Province. This placement positions the facility within the broader geographical context of northwestern China, specifically within the drainage network of the Tao River. The river serves as the primary hydrological feature for the site, providing the necessary water volume and gradient required for the concrete-face rock-fill design. The selection of this specific location along the Tao River basin was driven by the need to optimize water conservation and hydroelectric power generation capabilities in the region.
The surrounding landscape of Jonê County provides the geological foundation for the dam's construction. The terrain supports the massive scale of the reservoir, which holds a significant volume of water. The integration of the dam into the local topography allows for the efficient management of water resources in Gansu Province. The area's natural features, including the river channel and the adjacent landforms, play a critical role in the operational dynamics of the hydroelectric facility. The concrete-face rock-fill structure interacts directly with the local geology, relying on the stability of the surrounding rock formations to maintain integrity under the pressure of the retained water.
Hydrological conditions in the Tao River basin influence the performance of the power station. The flow patterns of the river determine the consistency of water supply for the turbines. The reservoir's capacity to withhold water is a key factor in regulating the river's output, affecting both local water availability and energy production. The geographical setting ensures that the dam can effectively capture and store water during periods of high flow, releasing it strategically to maintain power generation efficiency. This interaction between the natural river system and the engineered structure highlights the importance of site-specific geographical features in hydraulic engineering projects in China.
Engineering and Specifications
Engineering and Specifications
The Jiudianxia Dam utilizes a concrete-face rock-fill construction method, a design choice that combines the flexibility of a rock-fill core with the impermeability of a concrete slab facing. This structural approach is particularly effective for dams situated in regions with significant geological variation, allowing the structure to settle slightly without compromising the water-tightness of the reservoir. The dam rises to a height of 136.5 meters (448 feet), creating a substantial barrier across the Tao River. This elevation is critical for generating the necessary hydraulic head required for efficient hydroelectric power generation, while also providing adequate storage volume for water conservation efforts in the surrounding area of Jonê County.
The reservoir formed by the dam has a total capacity of 943,000,000 cubic meters (764,503 acre⋅ft). This storage volume serves dual purposes: regulating the flow of the Tao River to mitigate seasonal fluctuations and providing a reliable water supply for downstream agricultural and municipal needs. The management of such a large body of water requires careful monitoring of sedimentation rates and evaporation losses, which are common challenges for reservoirs in the Gansu Province region. The concrete face of the dam is engineered to withstand the hydrostatic pressure exerted by this volume of water, ensuring long-term structural integrity against the forces of the river and the weight of the rock-fill material behind it.
Hydroelectric power generation is a primary function of the Jiudianxia Dam, with an installed capacity of 300 MW. This power station contributes to the regional energy grid, harnessing the kinetic energy of the Tao River to produce electricity. The conversion of potential energy from the elevated reservoir into electrical output involves a series of turbines and generators housed within the dam's infrastructure. The 300 MW capacity represents a significant contribution to the local energy mix, supporting both industrial operations and residential consumption in the vicinity. The efficiency of the power generation is influenced by the flow rate of the river and the operational management of the reservoir levels, balancing energy production with water conservation goals.
Construction History
Construction History
The development of the Jiudianxia Dam represents a focused period of hydraulic engineering activity in Gansu Province. Work on the project officially began in 2005, marking the start of a multi-year effort to harness the flow of the Tao River. The construction phase spanned three years, a relatively short timeline for a structure of this magnitude, reflecting the efficiency of the planning and execution phases undertaken by the engineering teams.
By 2008, the dam was declared complete, bringing the construction era to a close. This three-year window from 2005 to 2008 saw the transformation of the river valley in Jonê County, as the concrete-face rock-fill structure rose to its final height. The completion date in 2008 signified the transition from active building to operational status, allowing the reservoir to begin filling and the power station to start generating electricity.
The rapid construction schedule was necessary to meet the growing demand for water conservation and hydroelectric power in the region. The project's timeline reflects a strategic push to integrate the Tao River into the broader energy and water management infrastructure of China. From the initial groundbreaking in 2005 to the final touches in 2008, the dam's creation was a significant milestone for local development, providing a lasting infrastructure asset that continues to serve the area's hydrological and energy needs.
What is the Jiudianxia Dam known for?
Regional Hydroelectric Significance
The installation of a 300 MW power station at the Jiudianxia Dam marks a substantial addition to the hydroelectric capacity of Gansu Province. This infrastructure project addresses the energy demands of the region by harnessing the flow of the Tao River. The concrete-face rock-fill design allows for efficient energy conversion, contributing to the broader grid stability in western China. The dam’s role in power generation is central to its operational purpose, providing a reliable source of electricity derived from the river's kinetic energy.
Water Resource Management
Beyond electricity production, the structure serves a critical function in water conservation. The reservoir, with a capacity of 943,000,000 cubic meters (764,503 acre⋅ft), acts as a significant storage facility for the Tao River basin. This volume of retained water supports various regional needs, including agricultural irrigation and municipal supply, which are essential for the administrative area of Jonê County. The ability to withhold such a large volume of water helps regulate the river's flow, mitigating seasonal variations in water availability.
Engineering and Construction Context
The rapid development of the Jiudianxia Dam reflects the pace of infrastructure growth in the region. Construction began in 2005 and was completed by 2008, a timeline that underscores the efficiency of the engineering efforts. The dam stands 136.5 meters (448 feet) tall, a height that necessitates robust structural integrity to manage the pressure of the reservoir. The choice of a concrete-face rock-fill construction method was likely driven by the local geology and the need for a durable, cost-effective solution for the Tao River's specific hydrological conditions.
Economic Impact
Hydroelectric power generation is a primary function of the Jiudianxia Dam, providing a significant energy source for the region. The facility features an installed capacity of 300 MW, contributing to the local and regional power grid. This output helps meet the growing energy demands of Jonê County and surrounding areas in Gansu Province. The consistent power supply supports industrial activities and residential consumption, enhancing the economic stability of the locality.
Water conservation is another critical benefit of the dam's operation. The reservoir withholds a substantial volume of water, totaling 943,000,000 m3 (764,503 acre⋅ft). This stored water is vital for irrigation, supporting agricultural productivity in the Tao River basin. Farmers rely on the regulated water flow to cultivate crops, which is essential for the local economy. The dam also helps manage water resources during dry seasons, ensuring a steady supply for various uses.
The construction of the Jiudianxia Dam, which began in 2005 and was completed in 2008, was a significant infrastructure project. The rapid development was necessary to meet the increasing demand for water and energy in the region. The concrete-face rock-fill design of the dam ensures durability and efficiency in water retention and power generation. This engineering achievement has had a lasting impact on the economic landscape of Jonê County.
Beyond electricity production, the structure serves a critical role in water management. The dam helps control flooding, protecting downstream communities and agricultural lands. This flood control capability is particularly important during the rainy season, reducing the risk of damage to infrastructure and crops. The overall economic impact of the Jiudianxia Dam is multifaceted, encompassing energy production, water conservation, and flood management.
The development of the Jiudianxia Dam represents a strategic investment in the region's infrastructure. By providing reliable energy and water resources, the dam supports sustainable economic growth. The project has also created jobs during and after construction, boosting the local economy. The long-term benefits of the dam are expected to continue to enhance the quality of life for residents of Jonê County and the broader Gansu Province.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Jiudianxia Dam located?
What is the primary purpose of the Jiudianxia Dam?
The structure was constructed to conserve water and produce hydroelectricity.
What are the technical specifications of the dam?
The Jiudianxia Dam is a concrete-face rock-fill dam that is 136.5 meters (448 feet) tall. It withholds a reservoir of 943,000,000 cubic meters (764,503 acre-feet).
What is the power generation capacity of the dam?
The power station associated with the dam has an installed capacity of 300 MW.
When was the Jiudianxia Dam built?
Summary
Jiudianxia Dam is a major hydroelectric and water conservation infrastructure project on the Tao River in Gansu Province, China. Completed in 2008, the 136.5-meter concrete-face rock-fill dam holds 943 million cubic meters of water and generates 300 MW of electricity.