World Power Plants

Madushan Dam240 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

The Madushan Dam stands out in the energy sector of China as the 1193rd largest power generation facility, with a commendable capacity of 240 MW. This hydro plant contributes only 0.01% to the national energy capacity of 1,603,494 MW, indicating a small yet valuable role in a landscape dominated by coal. While it ranks 204th among the 1000 hydro plants in the country, its location plays a pivotal role in supporting the local energy grid. The Madushan Dam is in proximity to several smaller hydro facilities, such as the Yunnan Fengchunling 3rd Level Small Plant, which has a capacity of 12 MW, and the Yunnan Mangtie River Second Stage, also at 12 MW. This clustering of plants enhances regional energy reliability and showcases the potential for hydroelectric power in Yunnan Province. The facility employs advanced hydroelectric technology, harnessing the natural flow of water to generate electricity efficiently. In the context of China's energy profile, hydroelectric power serves as a vital complement to the predominantly coal-based energy system, helping to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. While the Madushan Dam's capacity is modest compared to larger facilities, its existence reflects the nation's commitment to diversifying its energy sources. The operator of this dam is a local authority that has been pivotal in advancing renewable energy initiatives in the region. As the global energy landscape evolves, the Madushan Dam is poised to play a critical role in Yunnan’s transition toward a more sustainable energy future, offering a glimpse into the potential of hydro power in reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Capacity
240 MW
Commissioning Year
2010

16 years old

Owner
China Three Gorges Corporation
Location
23.0468°, 103.2845°

China, Asia

Context & rankings
  • 1,194. largest of 4,431 plants in China
  • #6,800 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,273 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.01% of the installed capacity of China
Age & fleet comparison

16 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

China Three Gorges Corporation operates 508 plants totalling 127,392 MW

Regional density

30 plants within 100 km, 2,229 MW combined

Nearest plant: Yunnan Fengchunling 3rd Level Small (11.7 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 23.046800, 103.284500
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Madushan Dam is a hydro power plant producing approximately 841 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
China
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

ChinaEnergy Profile

4,431
Total Plants
1617.1 GW
Total Capacity
CoalHydroNuclearGas
Top Fuels

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