After 13 years of construction, the final touches were put to the concrete
structure of the Three Gorges Dam last Saturday, making a century-old dream of
the Chinese people finally come true.
Though some follow-up projects have yet to be completed, the completion of
the gigantic dam straddling across the mighty Yangtze River formally launched
the mammoth water conservancy project's three main functions: harnessing floods,
generating electricity and improving navigation on the Yangtze.
The success of the project offers some food for thought.
At least two things deserve reflection. First, can we achieve an optimal
balance between economic development and ecological preservation? Second, how to
understand the advantages and disadvantages of various forms of energy
resources?
When the planning of the Three Gorges Project was once again raised in the
1980s, strong objections were made which based on concerns for the possible
adverse impacts on the biological, environmental and seismological conditions of
the site and nearby regions and worries were expressed about China's ability to
finance the project.
The central government organized experts to conduct two more feasibility
studies in the 1980s on the basis of the investigations the country's water
conservancy authorities had made since the early 1950s. The studies led to a
positive conclusion.
Careful efforts were made before and during the construction of the dam to
resettle local residents, minimize the environmental impact and guarantee the
highest possible construction quality. Inspections have found that all of these
efforts were a success. Few adverse effects were found in the three years since
the reservoir began to hold water in 2003.
And the quality of the structures proved to be of the highest thanks to
careful work of its the builders. The massive dam is, for example, without a
single crack, a miracle in the history of dam architecture.
The project is a test of the Chinese people's will power and capabilities.
From the 1950s to the 1970s, China conducted many projects to "reform nature"
based on the slogan that "Man will definitely triumph over nature." But little
consideration was given to the devastating environmental impact of the schemes.
The nation was later punished by Mother Nature: Floods, droughts,
desertification and destroy of forests plagued the country for many years.
The Three Gorges Project has set a good example for economic development. A
spirit of endeavour was maintained while work was conducted in line with
scientific laws. It indicates that there is a way to achieve a balance between
economy and the environment so long as a scientific attitude is adopted.
Another thought the Three Gorges Project triggers is related to the use of
hydropower.
Hydropower was once thought to be the cleanest source of energy and man-made
reservoirs were built widely around the world to acquire "cheap electricity" in
the last century. But environmental campaigners have recently spoken out against
hydropower schemes, alleging that construction of dams disrupts ecological
systems, pollutes the environment and alters seismological conditions.
This new interpretation of the use of hydropower certainly points to great
progress in mankind's understanding of its relationship with nature. However,
indiscriminate criticism of all hydropower projects is not a scientific
attitude, and neither is the blind exploitation of hydropower which disregards
the environmental consequences.
All forms of energy have drawbacks. Fossil fuels coal and petroleum pollute
the environment and add to the "greenhouse effect," and the disposal of nuclear
waste from nuclear power plants is very costly. In comparison, hydropower is
much cleaner and can be used "eternally" (or at least for a very long time). The
adverse effects it may have can be minimized and brought under control if the
project is carefully planned and strictly observes scientific laws.
The Three Gorges Project sets a good example in this regard. The meticulous
selection of the site based on geological considerations and the many years
spent preparing the evacuation of residents and the preservation of vegetation
have helped reduce and minimize the adverse effects.
The project's 26 sets of generators can produce 84.7 billion kilowatt hours
of electricity annually, the same as that produced by burning 50 million tons of
coal. One can easily imagine what pollution would result if the project was
replaced by traditional power plants.
Email: liushinan@chinadaily.com.cn
(China Daily 05/24/2006 page4)
