Under clear skies in Dixin Village, Jincheng Town, Yunan County, Yunfu City, a serene river flows through verdant mountains. This picturesque setting marks the intake point for the Beibu Gulf Rim Guangdong Water Resource Allocation Project. This extensive initiative traverses mountains and valleys to alleviate water shortages in western Guangdong.
Illustration of the Beibu Gulf Rim Guangdong Water Resource Allocation Project
Comprehensive water resource allocation for over 18 million residents
Situated in southwest Guangdong, the Beibu Gulf Rim Guangdong Water Resource Allocation Project comprises a water source system, main water transmission lines, and branch systems, spanning a total length of approximately 499.9 kilometers and serving a population of over 18 million.
Recent developments in the project include the successful launch of the "Yuehai Huanbei No. 1 TBM" (Tunnel Boring Machine) at the Qianguan auxiliary tunnel construction site. This achievement marks a significant step forward in enhancing tunnel construction safety, quality, and efficiency, injecting new momentum into the project.
A strategic solution to regional water scarcity
Despite Guangdong's abundant water resources, its uneven spatial and temporal distribution has led to significant disparities. While northern regions are water-rich, the central and southwestern areas face persistent shortages.
Western Guangdong, particularly the Leizhou Peninsula, experiences water scarcity due to its geographical features. Coastal rivers in this area are generally small and fast-flowing, with limited natural water storage capacity, resulting in significant seasonal fluctuations and long-term challenges for local residents.
To address these issues, the Guangdong provincial government launched this project, the largest cross-basin water diversion initiative in the province's history. Scheduled for completion by 2030, the project will annually supply over 2.6 billion cubic meters of high-quality water to the cities of Zhanjiang, Maoming, Yangjiang, and Yunfu, benefiting over 18 million people and significantly improving regional water security and ecological conditions.
Dixin Village
Dixin pump station: the heart of the project
The project draws water from the Xijiang River in Yunfu's Yunan County, transporting it through the Yunkai Mountains to connect reservoirs such as Gaozhou and Hedi in the cities of Yunfu, Maoming, Yangjiang, and Zhanjiang. Water is pumped using advanced stations and conveyed through tunnels, box culverts, aqueducts, and pipelines, addressing long-standing water shortages in the region.
In November, the cofferdam at Dixin Pump Station was successfully closed, marking a key milestone as the pump station enters the cofferdam backfilling stage. Located in Dixin Village, the pump station is the "heart" of the Beibu Guangdong Project, with the cofferdam providing critical structural stability and ensuring the project's overall safety.
The cofferdam at Dixin Pump Station is closed.
"Yuehai Huanbei No. 1 TBM": advanced technology for complex terrain
At the Qianguan auxiliary tunnel construction site in Yunan County, the "Yuehai Huanbei No. 1 TBM" recently commenced operations. With a cutting diameter of 9.4 meters, the TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) is designed to handle challenging geological conditions and long-distance excavation. It measures 22 meters in length for the main unit and 170 meters in total, weighing approximately 2,000 tons, and is equipped with multiple cutting-edge technologies.
Yuehai Huanbei No. 1 TBM
The TBM's features include advanced rock-breaking capabilities, resistance to abrasive geological conditions, and systems for real-time geological forecasting and safety monitoring. These enhancements ensure efficient excavation while addressing potential risks such as rock bursts and groundwater challenges.
The Beibu Gulf Rim Guangdong Water Resource Allocation Project will deploy 12 TBMs and 12 shield tunneling machines across its length, with the "Yuehai Huanbei No. 1 TBM" being the 15th machine to begin operations. Its deployment marks a significant advancement in the project, laying a solid foundation for its successful completion and ensuring a sustainable future for western Guangdong's water needs.
Author | Chen Longyan
Editor | Wei Shen, James, Shen He
