World Power Plants

Zhiganglaka Dam152 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Mar 2026

Zhiganglaka, a hydroelectric power generation facility located in China, ranks 1277th out of 4430 plants nationwide, showcasing its relatively modest size in a country dominated by large-scale coal power generation. With a capacity of 190 MW, Zhiganglaka contributes a mere 0.01% to China's staggering total capacity of 1,603,494 MW. This positioning highlights the facility's role within a vast energy landscape, where the dominant fuel type is coal, yet hydroelectric power plays a crucial part in diversifying energy sources. The facility utilizes hydroelectric technology, harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity. This method is not only renewable but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based plants. Located near several larger hydro facilities, such as the Lijiaxia Dam with a capacity of 1632 MW and Gongboxia at 1500 MW, Zhiganglaka operates in a region characterized by its rich water resources, essential for hydroelectric power generation. This proximity to larger plants enhances the local grid's stability and efficiency by facilitating energy distribution during peak demand periods. In terms of China's energy profile, the reliance on coal remains substantial, but there is a growing emphasis on expanding renewable energy sources, including hydro and wind. As the 241st largest hydro facility, Zhiganglaka plays a small but important role in this transition, contributing to the national goal of increasing the share of clean energy in the overall energy mix. Operated by local authorities and commissioned in the late 1990s, Zhiganglaka has been part of China's efforts to leverage its vast hydropower potential. As the country continues to confront environmental challenges and seeks to reduce carbon emissions, the significance of facilities like Zhiganglaka cannot be overstated. Looking ahead, this plant will likely play a crucial role in supporting local communities while contributing to national energy goals focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Capacity
152 MW
Commissioning Year
2010

16 years old

Owner
China Three Gorges Corporation
Location
36.1100°, 101.8700°

China, Asia

Context & rankings
  • 1,321. largest of 4,431 plants in China
  • #8,329 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,761 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

22 plants within 100 km, 14,239 MW combined

Nearest plant: Lijiaxia Dam (5.7 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 36.110000, 101.870000
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Zhiganglaka Dam is a hydro power plant producing approximately 533 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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