2024 marks the first year of normal operational dispatch following the complete filling of the six cascade reservoirs, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Three Gorges Project’s construction. Facing complex challenges including pre-flood season drawdown, flood control, peak summer demand for power, and ecological flow requirements, China Yangtze Power Co., Ltd. (CYPC) took proactive measures while maintaining strict operational standards. The company maximized water resource efficiency and power generation potential through comprehensive optimization of cascade hydropower plants, establishing the reservoir system as a crucial stabilizing force in water resource management and a main force and cornerstone in national energy security.
The Company's scientific response demonstrated significant flood control effectiveness. In 2024, facing challenges of rapid fluctuations in the Yangtze River's water levels, CYPC coordinated internal and external hydrological forecasting and scheduling conferences, precisely analyzed basin hydro-meteorological conditions, and effectively utilized cascade reservoir capacity to stabilize water flow variations. During three major classified flood events in the Yangtze River basin, the cascade reservoirs retained 13.45 billion cubic meters of floodwater. The Three Gorges Reservoir managed four flood peaks exceeding 35,000 cubic meters per second, achieving record-high flood control levels for the season. Through scientific coordination of the six-reservoir system, the operation protected 3.14 million mu of farmland from flooding, prevented the evacuation of 2.21 million residents, and mitigated disaster losses of approximately CNY 64.3 billion, effectively safeguarding public lives and property.
The Company fulfilled its core responsibilities, setting new benchmarks in energy supply security. In 2024, the six cascade hydropower plants along the Yangtze River's main stream achieved a record annual generation of 295.9 billion kilowatt-hours, increasing by 19.641 billion kilowatt-hours year-on-year. Through rigorously implemented critical power supply measures, CYPC successfully ensured power security during several major events including the National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China International Import Expo, and peak power demand periods in winter and summer. All 110 generating units across the Yangtze River cascade plants operated simultaneously for the first time, achieving a record daily generation of 1.678 billion kilowatt-hours and peak output exceeding 70 million kilowatts, delivering reliable green, clean, and premium electricity. Baihetan Hydropower Plant achieved its first full-capacity operation since commissioning, while the Three Gorges Hydropower Plant maintained full-capacity operation at 22.5 million kilowatts for nearly 30 consecutive days, providing robust power supply to receiving regions.
The Company enhanced navigation efficiency, maximizing the Yangtze River shipping channel's potential. In 2024, the six cascade reservoirs along the Yangtze River’s main stream released over 37 billion cubic meters of supplementary water downstream, equivalent to nearly 2,590 West Lakes (in Hangzhou), reaching a historic high. The Three Gorges ship lock achieved an annual throughput of 154 million tons, maintaining above 150 million tons for three consecutive years. The Xiangjiaba ship lift maintained 24-hour operational availability, with cargo volume exceeding design capacity for five consecutive years, thus enhancing the Yangtze River shipping channel's efficiency. Through coordinated operational control of water levels, the Company successfully assisted multiple stranded vessels to safety, protecting lives and property. Through precise discharge management, the Company facilitated safe lockage operations for 44 deep-draft vessels carrying hazardous materials, ensuring comprehensive navigation safety.
The Company implemented proactive measures for aquatic ecosystem restoration. In 2024, eleven ecological dispatch experiments were conducted across cascade reservoirs, including stratified water release, artificial flood peak simulation, and baseload generation optimization. During two ecological dispatch periods at the Three Gorges, monitoring stations at Yidu and Shashi recorded unprecedented fish spawning volumes of 68.7 billion and 60.9 billion eggs respectively, demonstrating significant progress in aquatic ecosystem protection while maintaining the reservoirs' ecological functions.
Looking ahead to 2025, CYPC remains committed to its strategic missions of national importance, embodying the principles of operational excellence, continuous innovation, and dedicated service. The Company will further enhance joint optimization of cascade reservoir operations, ensure the Yangtze River's flood control security, and maintain precise management of the world's largest clean energy corridor, advancing the coordinated operation of its six-reservoir system to new heights.
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