This dam generates the third-largest electricity output in the world and ranks second in China.
Hydropower is an incredibly important renewable energy source. China is one of the countries that boasts the most powerful system of mega hydropower dams, astonishing the world. It is known that the construction of dams in China began in the 1950s and quickly reached a peak period.
This dam generates the third-largest electricity output in the world and ranks second in China.
One of the most impressive dams in the country is the Xiluodu Dam, also known as the Khê Lạc Độ Dam. This dam generates the third-largest electricity output in the world and ranks second in China, according to the ranking of the largest hydropower dams globally. It was built by China Three Gorges Corporation. According to Water Technology, this dam project is valued at approximately $6.2 billion (equivalent to over 151 trillion VND).
According to Xinhua, the Khê Lạc Độ Dam is constructed on the Jinsha River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River, located in Yunnan Province. This dam has a reservoir capacity of up to 12.67 billion cubic meters and a total installed capacity of 13.86 gigawatts. It is also equipped with a total of 18 hydropower generating units, each with a capacity of 770,000 kilowatts. As of now, all units of the Khê Lạc Độ Dam are fully operational.
The Khê Lạc Độ Dam plays a crucial role in flood control, sediment management, and regulated water discharge to improve downstream water quality.
It is known that the Khê Lạc Độ Dam stands 285.5 meters tall, is 700 meters long, and features a curved arch design. In addition to its role in hydropower generation, the Khê Lạc Độ Dam also plays a key role in flood control, sediment management, and regulated water discharge to improve downstream water quality.
According to Xinhua, concrete cracking in dams is a challenging issue in hydropower projects. As one of the most complex and largest dam projects in China, the Khê Lạc Độ Dam has implemented highly advanced construction technology, earning it a top position in the industry.
The dam is densely equipped with a variety of monitoring devices such as stress meters, multi-point extensometers, and observation equipment to continuously ensure and update the status of the structure, temperature, and humidity of the concrete, thereby minimizing the risk of cracking or failure. It is also equipped with a smart management system that allows on-site supervisors and remote managers to monitor the dam’s status and make necessary adjustments.
According to Xinhua, since its commissioning in 2014, the Khê Lạc Độ Hydropower Dam has been operating smoothly.
