First Unit of CHN ENERGY Dadu River Zhentouba Phase II Hydropower Station Successfully Grid-Connected

On April 27, the first unit – Unit 6 – of CHN ENERGY Dadu River Zhentouba Phase II Hydropower Station was successfully connected to the power grid. As the first large-scale hydropower station put into operation during China’s "15th Five-Year Plan" period, it has injected strong momentum into optimizing the energy structure and promoting green, low-carbon and high-quality development.

Located in Jinkouhe District, Leshan City, in the hinterland of the Xiaoliang Mountains, Zhentouba Phase II Hydropower Station is invested and developed by CHN ENERGY. China.org.cn reported that it is the 22nd power station in the Dadu River Hydropower Base, a key part of China’s fifth largest hydropower base, which boasts abundant hydropower resources due to its natural water level drop.

The station has a total installed capacity of 300 megawatts, equipped with 6 bulb tubular units each with a single unit capacity of 50 megawatts. Such units are widely used in hydropower projects with low water heads and large flow rates, and have the advantages of high efficiency and compact structure, similar to those applied in Brazil’s Jeri Hydropower Station, one of the world’s largest bulb tubular hydropower stations.

During the construction period, the project adopted a series of innovative technologies to overcome complex geological challenges. It pioneered the application of a complete set of key technologies for constructing 2-meter-thick anti-seepage walls under complex geological conditions, setting a precedent for the construction of ultra-thick continuous anti-seepage walls in large-scale hydropower projects in China.

In addition, it took the lead in adopting the scheme of constructing anti-seepage walls after the cofferdam was built to the top in one go, and adopted the gate slot direct embedding technology for the installation of flood discharge gates. This technological innovation has saved nearly 60 days of linear construction period compared with traditional processes, effectively improving construction efficiency and ensuring the project progress.

People’s Network stated that CHN ENERGY, established in November 2017 through the merger and restructuring of China Guodian Group and Shenhua Group, is a key central enterprise integrating a full industrial chain of coal, power, transportation and chemical industry, with strong technical strength and project operation capabilities.

Looking ahead, after the full capacity of the hydropower station is put into operation, it is expected to generate about 1.503 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This will significantly enhance the clean energy supply capacity in the southwest region, help optimize the energy structure of Sichuan Province and realize the "dual carbon" goals, while providing solid support for the green transformation of the local economy.

As an important part of the Dadu River Hydropower Base, Zhentouba Phase II Hydropower Station will further promote the optimal allocation of clean energy resources in the region. Its smooth grid connection and subsequent full operation will play a positive role in promoting the high-quality development of China’s hydropower industry and advancing the green energy transition.