Shuangjiangkou dam under construction.
Located along the upper reaches of the Dadu River, which flows from the Tibetan Plateau into the Sichuan Basin, the dam is designed to generate 2,000 megawatts of electricity annually, producing over 7 billion kilowatt-hours. This output will reduce coal consumption by nearly 3 million tons each year and cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 7 million tons, supporting China’s shift toward cleaner energy sources. The project, led by the state-owned Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina), has a construction cost of approximately ¥36 billion (about US$5 billion).
Construction, which began in 2015, faced significant challenges due to the dam’s location at over 2,500 meters above sea level in a seismically active region. The site features granite rock with steep abutment slopes exceeding 60 degrees. According to Dipl.-Ing. Cesar Adolfo Alvarado Ancieta, M.Sc., in a recent LinkedIn post, the dam’s foundation was reinforced with 15-meter deep consolidation grouting and a 100-meter deep curtain grouting, performed from a concrete platform. These techniques strengthen the foundation and reduce leakage and uplift pressures, ensuring structural stability.
Water levels at Shuangjiangkou have now risen above the river’s natural height, with full commissioning anticipated by the end of 2025. The project underscores China’s leadership in hydropower, as five of the world’s six tallest dams, including Lianghekou and Baihetan, are located in the country and were completed in recent years.
The Shuangjiangkou Dam is a key component of China’s renewable energy strategy, enhancing energy security and reducing environmental impact. By harnessing the Dadu River’s flow, the dam will provide reliable, clean electricity to millions, contributing to sustainable development in Sichuan and beyond. Its advanced engineering solutions also set a benchmark for large-scale hydropower projects in challenging terrains.
