“水电王国”四川 率先迈进“亿千瓦”时代丨川报早读

Core Insights - Sichuan province has officially surpassed 100 million kilowatts in hydropower installed capacity, becoming the first province in China to enter the "100 million kilowatt" era in hydropower generation [1][4] - This capacity is equivalent to 4.4 Three Gorges dams, with an annual generation potential of 400 billion kilowatt-hours, sufficient to meet the electricity needs of 500 million people for a year or power 178 million electric vehicles for a year [1] - Sichuan's hydropower development has grown over 700,000 times since the first hydropower station was established, showcasing its significant advancements in hydropower engineering technology [1][8] Resource Endowment and Historical Development - Sichuan has the largest technically exploitable hydropower resources in China, estimated at approximately 148 million kilowatts [1] - The province's hydropower development began slowly in the early years of the People's Republic of China, with significant milestones achieved from 1978 to 1999, marking the transition to a "large hydropower" era [4] - Major hydropower stations, such as Gongzui and Ertan, were completed during this period, contributing to the rapid increase in installed capacity [4] Strategic Importance and Future Directions - The achievement of 100 million kilowatts is seen as a milestone for Sichuan, reinforcing its position as a clean energy hub in China and supporting the national "West-East Power Transmission" strategy [6] - Sichuan's clean energy structure is currently 85% hydropower, and the province aims to further integrate wind and solar energy into its energy mix, creating a "Wind and Solar Sichuan" [5][6] - Experts suggest that while hydropower development may face limitations, there remains 30-40% of exploitable capacity, with a shift towards more challenging upstream projects and energy storage solutions [4][5] Challenges and Considerations - The reliance on hydropower poses risks, particularly in extreme weather conditions, which can lead to significant fluctuations in energy supply [6][7] - Environmental concerns and high construction costs in ecologically sensitive areas present challenges for future hydropower development [7] - Balancing local electricity demand with the need to export power during peak periods is becoming increasingly complex, necessitating strategic planning and coordination at the national level [7]