China's largest hydropower station under construction-Mengdigou Hydropower Station

On the main stream of the Yalong River at the border between Ganzi and Liangshan Prefectures in Sichuan Province, a magnificent project is rising - the Mendigou Hydropower Station. It is not only one of the largest hydropower stations under construction in China, but also an important milestone in the development of hydropower in the middle reaches of the Yalong River.
The total installed capacity of Mendigou Hydropower Station is up to 2400 MW. Behind this figure is a strong energy supply capacity and a great impetus to the economic development of the region. As the fifth stage of the hydropower plan for the section between the two river mouths and the Kara River, its construction is of great significance. However, this huge project has not been a smooth sailing, from planning to construction, faced with numerous difficulties and challenges.

The first is technically demanding. The highest point of the concrete double-curved arch dam is 198 metres. The design of such a towering dam, while providing a guarantee of power generation efficiency, also posed enormous technical challenges for the construction. Under the complex terrain and extreme geological conditions, the construction team had to precisely control every aspect of the project to deal with possible natural disasters such as landslides and collapses, and to ensure the stability and safety of the dam.
Furthermore, the project's huge investment, totalling about RMB 34.8 billion, tests the investor's determination and financial strength. The projected annual power generation of 10.4 billion kWh is both an expectation of the project's benefits and a great pressure on the construction team.

The high altitude, steep terrain and variable climate of the Yalong River Basin make the geographic conditions of the Mendigou Hydropower Station's site extremely complex. Frequent rainfall, landslides and avalanches and other natural disasters have brought great safety threats to the construction team. Project managers not only need to have rich engineering experience, but also a keen awareness of risks and efficient coping strategies, in order to ensure the safety of construction personnel and steadily promote the progress of the project.
   Despite the many challenges, the future of the Mendigou Hydropower Station looks promising. The first unit is expected to be commissioned in 2031, with all units fully operational by 2032. By then, it will provide strong support for the region's energy supply and drive the rapid development of the local economy. Meanwhile, its successful construction will also accumulate valuable experience for China's hydropower development in complex terrain and environment, laying a solid foundation for the future development of hydropower business.

The construction of Mendigou Hydropower Station is the crystallisation of the wisdom and courage of Chinese hydropower people and a major test of technology and management. It is believed that under the joint efforts of all parties, this hydropower pearl on the Yalong River will shine brightly and make great contributions to China's energy business and economic development.