In the first year of the 15th Five Year Plan, supporting the construction of modern water networks with high-quality water conservancy projects has become a key measure for stabilizing growth and benefiting people's livelihoods in various regions. At the same time, the national level is continuously injecting certainty into the construction of water conservancy infrastructure through a combination of policies such as continuing the major water conservancy project construction fund and deepening the reform of the investment and financing system. In particular, the government explicitly encourages private capital to participate in water conservancy projects with operational benefits, introducing diversified market vitality for major engineering construction.

On January 19, 2026, the Ningde Shangbaishi Water Conservancy Hub Project, one of the 150 major water conservancy projects of the State Council, officially began construction. This project, with a total investment of 4.162 billion yuan, is not only a key measure for Fujian Province to accelerate the construction of a modern water network system, but also attracts attention as the first "dual" water conservancy project in the province to receive national approval for the introduction of private capital, providing important practice for the innovation of investment and financing mechanisms in water conservancy construction.

The project prioritizes flood prevention, while also incorporating power generation and reserving possibilities for future water supply. After the completion of the project, the total storage capacity of the reservoir will reach 248 million cubic meters. At that time, the flood control standards in the urban area of Fu'an will achieve a qualitative leap, from the current 20-year return period to a 50 year return period, fundamentally solving the flood threat faced by more than 600000 people in eastern Fujian. The total installed capacity of its power station is 156000 kilowatts, which can deliver approximately 412 million kilowatt hours of high-quality electricity to the Fujian power grid annually, providing reliable clean energy support for regional economic and social development.

In terms of investment model, the Shangbaishi Water Conservancy Hub Project has opened a new chapter in introducing social capital into major water conservancy projects in Fujian Province. The project legal person, Fujian Shangbaishi Water Conservancy Development Co., Ltd., has launched a public solicitation for private enterprises as interested parties to transfer 15% of its equity. This government led and market participated model not only broadens the funding sources for major water conservancy projects, but also marks the deepening of infrastructure investment and financing system reform, injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of water conservancy during the 15th Five Year Plan period. Keywords: engineering construction, water conservancy engineering

Prior to the commencement of the project, local governments at all levels have demonstrated their determination to fully guarantee the progress of the project. The leaders of Fu'an City specifically went to the site of the land acquisition and resettlement command center for the project to coordinate and solve difficulties, and demanded a decisive attitude from the beginning, consolidating responsibilities and hanging maps to ensure the smooth implementation of this century old plan that concerns people's livelihood and development. The comprehensive construction of this project will systematically optimize the water resource allocation pattern in eastern Fujian, strengthen regional water security guarantees, and become an important infrastructure supporting the high-quality development of Fujian's economy and society.Editor/Cheng Liting