China Dams Massive River Twice in Single Day to Build Mega Hydropower Complex
- MM24 News Desk
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
China diverted the Yalong River at two locations simultaneously on Tuesday to begin construction of the Mengdigou and Yagen Stage I hydropower stations with combined capacity of 2.7 million kilowatts, projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 9 million tonnes annually. The projects mark the first synchronized river blockade on the Yalong River and form part of China's ambitious 78 million kW water-solar-wind integrated base planned for completion by 2035.
In just one day, China dammed a huge river in two spots to build a mega hydropower project in the southwestern province of Sichuan, according to China Electric Power News under the National Energy Administration.
The flow of the Yalong River, a secondary tributary of the Yangtze River, was intercepted as the first step in the construction of two large hydropower projects on Tuesday. They have a combined installed capacity of 2.7 million kilowatts (kW), reported China Electric Power News.
Upon completion, these two hydropower stations – Mengdigou and Yagen Stage I – are projected to generate electricity equivalent to 3.5 million tonnes of coal annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 9 million tonnes each year.
"This marks the first time in the Yalong River that two hydropower stations have achieved a synchronized blockade, representing a new breakthrough in the construction of the country's first water-solar-wind integrated base," the newspaper stated.
The stations are part of China's pioneering model for integrating three renewable energy sources. The plan envisions four such water-solar-wind facilities located along the Yalong River, with a total planned installed capacity of 78 million kW, scheduled for completion by 2035.
"The 100 percent renewable energy supply system, with hydropower at its core, is designed to be a blueprint for integrated water-solar-wind projects across China's major river basins. It aims to serve as a global exemplar for green and low-carbon transformation," according to China Electric Power News.
The Yagen Stage I project will also involve the construction of the longest single-section dam in the country. Preventing the concrete from cracking will be a significant challenge due to the high altitude, low pressure and strong ultraviolet environment, the newspaper reported.
If successful, the construction process will yield valuable, replicable experience for future engineering projects carried out in similar high-altitude regions.
According to the newspaper, the river's flow was halted in less than 30 hours using filler materials. The diversion strategy was designed to create a "low-flow window," a period favorable for the subsequent construction of the new hydropower stations.
"[This] significantly reduces construction complexities and improves the success rate and safety of connecting the two ends of the dam," the report said.
The simultaneous diversion at both power stations maximizes overall efficiency and signals a more mature and streamlined phase in the Yalong River's hydropower development. To achieve safe, efficient and accurate flow interception, the developer used hydrological forecasting, conducted model experiments and organized drills.
The timely interception "secured crucial time for subsequent construction phases, including foundation pit excavation and dam concrete pouring, ensuring the overall construction timeline for the power stations."
The construction projects will promote the economic and social development of Sichuan. Together, the construction of two hydropower stations will create around 8,000 jobs and generate nearly 1.2 billion yuan ($169 million) in tax revenue for local governments. Their operation will provide ongoing tax income, boosting the local economy.
Sun Wenliang, chairman of the Yalong River Hydropower Development Company, told China Electric Power News that "the 15th five-year plan period is a crucial period for China to achieve its carbon peaking target."
"This not only provides a stable and green power supply for national strategic energy security and the economic and social development of Sichuan, Chongqing, east China and central China, but also offers a solution for the global green and low-carbon transition," he said.
Sun said the company also planned to develop strategic emerging industries such as green hydrogen production and power computing integration within the facility.
"[We will] continue to expand the company's clean energy industry chain and build the best and world-leading comprehensive clean energy base integrating hydropower, wind, solar power as well as hydrogen storage," he said.
The ambitious project demonstrates China's commitment to renewable energy infrastructure as the country works toward its carbon neutrality goals. By integrating hydropower with solar and wind capacity, the Yalong River corridor aims to become a model for balanced renewable energy systems that can provide stable baseload power while maximizing clean energy generation.
Whether the 2035 timeline can bmet while constructing these technically challenging high-altitude facilities remains to be seen. But the successful 30-hour simultaneous river diversion at two locations represents a significant engineering milestone and suggests China's hydropower construction capabilities continue advancing.
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