Why does Jiangsu have limited hydroelectric power despite having many rivers and canals?

Although Jiangsu is a water-rich province with an extensive network of rivers and canals, it has only limited hydroelectric-generating capacity due to its generally low relief.1

Hydroelectric power generation typically requires significant changes in elevation to harness the energy of falling water, as seen in projects like the Jinping-I Dam in high-elevation regions. In contrast, the plains of Jiangsu are characterized by their flatness, with much of the region lying only a few meters above sea level. Because the terrain lacks the steep drops necessary to generate substantial hydroelectric power, the province relies primarily on thermal plants and, more recently, nuclear-power stations to meet its energy needs.231