Zhejiang Tangcun 32MW Hydropower Project

The Tangcun 32MW Hydropower Project is an innovative energy solution that upgrades an existing facility in Chun’an County, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. By replacing the original 9.12MW capacity with a cutting-edge 32MW system, the project significantly boosts efficiency without causing adverse social or environmental impacts. Utilizing the existing Longtou Reservoir and a run-of-river design, it bypasses the need for new reservoirs, avoiding land submersion and displacement challenges often associated with similar projects.

Project Overview

Located along the Tongxi River, the Tangcun 32MW Hydropower Project channels water from Longtou Reservoir through a diversion tunnel. The system features an installed capacity of 32MW, split between two 16MW units. After implementation, the upstream Yungang I hydropower plant (5MW capacity) ceased operations, reducing output from other existing plants. Despite these adjustments, the project contributes a net electricity generation of 31,692MWh annually to the East China Power Grid after deducting losses from older facilities.

This achievement is bolstered by the project’s acceptance by key international stakeholders, including the Asian Development Bank, the Swedish Energy Agency, and the Kingdom of Spain, reflecting its alignment with global sustainability goals.

Contributions to Sustainable Development

Social Wellbeing

• The project created 16 additional jobs in Chun’an County, employing staff from existing facilities and enhancing economic activity in the region.
• It improves electricity quality, frequency, and availability, strengthening the local grid.
• Annual donations of 30,000 RMB to the local She minority community support poverty alleviation and economic growth.

Economic Wellbeing

• New job opportunities benefit the local She minority, including women and underprivileged families.
• Improved water resource utilization boosts local economic activities, while revenue from electricity sales and Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) increases tax contributions.
• By easing power shortages, the project supports Zhejiang Province’s economic development.

Environmental Wellbeing

• The project reduces reliance on coal-fired power plants, displacing fossil fuel-generated electricity in East China’s power grid.
• This transition minimizes air pollution, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

For more information on this project, please click here

For more information on the social benefits of the project, please click here