Definition
The Jinping‑I Dam is a large concrete double‑curvature arch dam on the Yalong River in Sichuan Province, China. It forms part of the Jinping Hydropower Project and is primarily used for hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water regulation.
Overview
Construction of the Jinping‑I Dam began in 2005 and was completed in 2009, with the associated power station becoming fully operational between 2009 and 2014. The dam creates the Jinping Reservoir, which supplies water to a 3,600 MW hydroelectric power plant consisting of four 900 MW turbine-generator units. The project is managed by the China Three Gorges Corporation and contributes significantly to regional electricity supply and the national grid.
Etymology/Origin
The dam is named after Jinping County (金坪县), the administrative region in which it is located. “Jinping” (金坪) translates from Mandarin as “golden plain,” reflecting the area's historical agricultural character.
Characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Double‑curvature concrete arch dam |
| River | Yalong River (a tributary of the Yangtze) |
| Location | Jinping County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China |
| Height | 305 m (1,001 ft) |
| Crest Length | 592 m (1,943 ft) |
| Reservoir Capacity | Approximately 7.5 km³ (1.98 billion acre‑feet) |
| Dam Volume | ~7.5 million m³ of concrete |
| Power Plant Capacity | 3,600 MW (4 × 900 MW units) |
| Annual Generation | ~15–16 TWh (variable with water flow) |
| Purpose | Electricity generation, flood control, water supply, downstream flow regulation |
| Construction Period | 2005 – 2009 (structural completion); commissioning 2009 – 2014 |
| Owner/Operator | China Three Gorges Corporation (CTGC) |
The dam’s arch design leverages the narrow, steep canyon of the Yalong River, allowing efficient transfer of hydraulic loads to the abutments. Its reservoir also supports local fisheries and provides a water source for downstream agricultural irrigation.
Related Topics
- Jinping‑II Dam – A downstream diversion‑type hydroelectric project on the same river, utilizing water released by Jinping‑I.
- Yalong River – A major tributary of the Yangtze River, home to several hydroelectric developments.
- Three Gorges Dam – China’s largest hydroelectric project, also operated by CTGC.
- Hydroelectric power in China – Overview of China’s extensive dam and power‑generation infrastructure.
- Arch dam – An engineering design type characterized by a curved upstream face, used in high‑head sites.
Note: All information presented reflects data available from reputable engineering and governmental sources as of the latest public disclosures.