Case Study - Three Gorges Dam
- Based in Hubei province, China
- The three gorges dam is a dam built across three gorges (duh!)
- The three gorges are the Wu gorge, the Xi Ling Gorge and the Qu Tang Gorge
- These are located on the YangTze River
- Chong Qing is located on the west side of the river
- YangTze river encounters big problems due to constant erosion
- Many villages on the coast of river are in danger of being destroyed
- River has a more meandering shape
Why the scheme was necessary
Environmental Factors
- Provide alternative source (renewable) energy
- Dam consists of 26 hydroelectricity generators
- To prevent flooding
- Stabilise water levels on two sides of the river
- Provide reliable source of water for civilians
Human Factors
- Prestige
- Idea came from Dr. Sun Yat Sen (Chinese legend)
- Claimed to be a human miracle that should be compared / considered with the Pyramids and the Parthenon
- Would be the world's biggest hydroelectric power plant when built
- Creates a more international image
- Environmentally-friendly China (never....)
Effects*
Effects - People
- Needed labourers to build dam - employment opportunities for people in Chong Qing
- 20 000 worked around the clock in 2001
- 26 hydroelectric generators make the dam the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world
- Able to generate 15% of China's electricity - 18000 Megawatts
- Connects the two parts of river together - five grade shiplocks
- Assist in river shipping
- Can lift ships as much as 113m when water levels reach 175m
- Increases water supply for Chong Qing and villages
- An extra tourist spot for tourists (The Heavenly Pit)
- 1.5 million people have been relocated, 4 million will be relocated
- Dam failure could threaten tens of millions of lives
- The rising water level is a threat to neighbouring villages
- The loss of farmland by the river will affect the farmers
Effects - Environment
- Reduce 150 million tonnes of carbon emissions
- Reduce usage of fossil fuels
- Can replace coal-powered power station that would consume 50 million tonnes annually
- Scientists express concern over landslides and water pollution
- Erosion in reservoir (induced by rising water level) will cause frequent landslides
- Reduction in species such as Yangtze alligator, Baiji dolphins, Chinese sturgeon
- Could be world's largest cesspool
- China still produces greenhouse gases (70+% of China's energy production are from burning coal)
- Dam contributed to high levels of algae outbreaks in river
- Reduced water velocity
- Weakened ability of self-purification
- Water may not be suitable for drinking
*Positive Effects = Green, Negative Effects = Red