China has officially launched 12 comprehensive pilot projects dedicated to smart dam construction, demonstrating its ambition to revolutionize dam engineering and hydropower with advanced technologies. The announcement was made at the 28th International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) Congress, currently taking place in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
These pilot projects are part of China’s broader strategy to modernize water resource management by embracing digital tools such as real-time data monitoring, artificial intelligence, and 3D modeling.
One standout example is the Qingyuan Pumped Storage Power Station in Liaoning Province, where a three-dimensional real-life modeling system is being used to create a digital replica of the underground facility. This advanced visualization acts like a “perspective eye,” allowing engineers to monitor the station’s subsurface environment with high precision.
In the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Dashixia Water Control Project is breaking global records with the tallest concrete face rockfill dam in the world—standing at 247 meters. The project employs an intelligent dam filling management system that tracks rolling paths, compaction frequency, and other critical data in real time. This system enhances construction safety and operational efficiency.
The Baihetan Hydropower Station, ranked as the world’s second-largest hydropower project, also highlights China’s technological edge. With a towering 289-meter-high dam, Baihetan features over 100,000 embedded sensors that function like “nerve endings.” These sensors continuously monitor stress levels, temperature shifts, and structural conditions, ensuring the long-term stability and safety of the dam.
As of the end of 2024, China had constructed more than 94,000 dams—more than any other country. Its hydropower installed capacity reached 436 million kilowatts, contributing 1.42 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This accounts for 57% of China’s total renewable energy generation, underscoring the nation’s dependence on clean hydropower to meet its energy goals.
Anton-Louis Olivier, Chair of the Board of the International Hydropower Association, commented:
“China is leading the world not just in hydropower capacity, but also in pump storage hydro and smart dam innovation.”
These smart dam projects are a testament to China’s commitment to combining engineering excellence with environmental responsibility. By leveraging cutting-edge sensor technology, AI, and data-driven systems, China aims to build dams that are safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
As the world looks toward smarter infrastructure to support climate resilience and renewable energy goals, China’s smart dam construction initiative could serve as a global model for intelligent water management in the decades ahead.