Mindong Electric Power Forges New Glory

The Mindong Hydropower Station was already renowned in the early days of reform and opening up, and I had heard of its mystique long before I started working. In an era when open-air movies were the talk of the town, the employees of Mindong Hydropower Station could enjoy the luxury of black-and-white 'Furi' televisions—what extraordinary privilege!

After I started working (as a dispatcher for the Mindong power grid, a regional local grid), my first field assignment was at Mindong Hydropower Station. I experienced the mystery of the underground powerhouse, the flood discharge during the reservoir's flood season, and the comprehensive living facilities on site, feeling like I was in a bustling world hidden in the mountains (don't laugh at my narrow perspective!). It earned its reputation as the 'Whampoa Military Academy of Mindong Electric Power'—not without reason.

Time has passed. What is Mindong Hydropower Station like now? In the era of the internet and intelligence, the only constant is change. The somewhat out-of-place station buildings stand silently, as if the noise and restlessness have retreated into the mountains. What lingers is a sense of tranquility, and I imagine it returning to prosperity.

The idea of revitalizing the glorious history of Mindong Electric Power has lingered in my mind for over a decade. Perhaps it's because I've grown older—reminiscing always sparks flights of fancy. Mindong Hydropower Station was the first hydroelectric plant I visited after starting work. Though I wasn't a permanent resident, I traveled there annually for grid dispatching duties to study and conduct surveys. The dancing gauges in the control room, the deafening noise of the turbine floor, the buzzing of the substation's electromagnetic field, the surging waves at the tailrace—all echoed through the Wentan Gorge, where birdsong made the mountains feel more secluded. These feelings of love and nostalgia have long been rooted in my memory, and every reminiscence sparks creative ideas. Below, I outline some thoughts and plans for the development of Mindong Electric Power, hoping to forge new glory in the Muyangxi River Basin, a rich resource for electric power.

Mindong Hydropower Station is a place of sentiment and history, a dream-making site. During its construction in the 1960s and 1970s, it nurtured countless hydropower pioneers. Over five to six decades of operation, it has cultivated many authoritative experts and visionary leaders. It's not just about 'golden phoenixes' flying out of the mountains; it's a launching pad for eagles to soar. Under the clarion call of reform and opening up, with the passage of time, there is a touch of melancholy. I wonder, what can we do?

The history of Mindong Electric Power development, popularization of electric power knowledge and safe electricity use, tourism and vacationing, creative parks, summer camps—these ideas. Would you be excited to see them? Can golden phoenixes fly out of the mountains again? We await astute entrepreneurs with discerning eyes to come and realize grand plans!

Project Planning: This is the foundation of project development, centering on Mindong Hydropower Station and radiating to the entire basin including Zhouning Station, Fengyuan Station, Muyang Station, Pumped Storage Station, and Longxi Stage I and II Stations. We invite discussions and consultations among local governments, the power supply system, and the power generation industry to plan with high quality and high starting points, dividing the basin into several functional zones and implementing systematic development in phases. (Detailed planning to be determined.)

Project One (Essential project): The history of Mindong Electric Power development is the soul of the overall plan. Based on the Ningde Regional Electric Power Annals (already compiled by State Grid Ningde Power Supply Company), make an overall layout plan. Invite the Ningde Municipal Government, State Grid Ningde Power Supply Company, Mindong Electric Power (listed company), China Huadian Corporation (Muyangxi Cascaded Hydropower Developer), and China Huaneng Group (Muyangxi Pumped Storage Hydropower Investor) to participate in the planning, design, and construction of the Electric Power Exhibition Hall at the cradle of Mindong Electric Power (Mindong Hydropower Station). This will become a new business card for the local government and electric power, showcasing the development journey of Mindong Electric Power from nothing to something, from weak to strong, and the historical trajectory of local economic growth from small to large. (Location: the existing assembly hall.)

Project Two: Summer camp programs for primary and secondary school students, experiencing rural farming life and popularizing hydropower knowledge. Students can learn how hydraulic energy is converted into electrical energy, i.e., intuitively explain the basic principles of water energy, potential energy, kinetic energy, and electrical energy. Conduct training on safe electricity use, starting with students. (Existing meeting rooms, offices, employee dormitories.)

Project Three: Tourism development. In addition to visiting the distinctive Mindong Hydropower Station, Zhouning Station, Pumped Storage Station, Fengyuan Station, Muyang Station, and Longxi Stage I and II Stations as tourist destinations, nearby attractions such as Jiulongji Waterfall Cluster, Baiyunshan Scenic Area, Liancun Integrity Education Base, Xiangdi Longtan Longjing, Sujiashan Glass Walkway, Kangcuo Shamao Rock, Muyang Qingquan Cave, Xita Grape Valley, and Shili Peach Blossom Source are all within a dozen kilometers—a golden tourism belt. The challenge is how to incorporate these scenic spots into your plan! Boutique guesthouses or star-rated hotels are the ideal choice. (Existing employee dormitories, office buildings, canteens.)

1. Xiangdi Longtan Scenic Area

2. Baiyunshan Jiulong Cave Scenic Area

3. Alsophila Natural Protection Area

4. Jiulongji Waterfall Scenic Area

5. Fu'an Liancun Scenic Area

6. Other attractions not listed individually.

Project Four: Outdoor expansion activities in streams and canyons and exploration of primeval forests—this region is uniquely endowed.

Project Five: Agricultural assistance projects—lease or jointly carry out agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry, a green and sunshine industry encouraged and supported by the state.

Project Six, Project Seven... orderly develop upstream and downstream industries.

Are you interested in this plan?