Shimenping Hydropower station, Zhouqu County
What is it?
A hydroelectric plant that, instead of using a dam, runs off the natural flow of the river, allowing its intervention in the landscape to be discrete and non-disruptive.
What are the benefits?
It reduces China’s dangerous dependence on coal-fired power, preventing emissions of around 67,000 tonnes – equivalent to the domestic energy emissions of around 12,000 UK homes.
What else do we like about it?
This project doesn’t just limit damage, it makes improvements. Barriers built to protect against landslides and flooding have created 100,000 square metres of additional farmland and a new road to the local village has been built improving access during the flood season. In this impoverished area, it also creates jobs.
