Consequences Downstream
The Chinese Three Gorges Dam included the flooding of 13 cities, 140 towns and 1,350 villages as well as numerous sites of cultural, historic and religious heritage . As a result, 1.3 million inhabitants were relocated, many from rural areas to cities (DTK 2002; International Rivers 2008a).
What impact does the dam have on the economy?
The World Commission on Dams found that on average, large dams have been at best only marginally economically viable . The average cost overrun of dams is 56%. This means that when a dam is predicted to cost $1 billion, it ends up costing $1.56 billion.
What are three negative effects of the Three Gorges Dam?
Dam construction has played significant roles in flood control, irrigation, navigation, and energy supply; however, the enormous negative effects, such as landslides, ecological problems, and water quality decline , could surpass positive gains.
What are the environmental impacts of the Three Gorges Dam?
In this review, we synthesize the negative impacts that have occurred as a result of the TGD, including reservoir-triggered seismicity, landslides, water quality control, ecological problems, siltation, and sediment discharge decline to assure an environmentally friendly operation of the TGD and regional sustainable ...
Consequences Downstream
The Chinese Three Gorges Dam included the flooding of 13 cities, 140 towns and 1,350 villages as well as numerous sites of cultural, historic and religious heritage . As a result, 1.3 million inhabitants were relocated, many from rural areas to cities (DTK 2002; International Rivers 2008a).
How many jobs did the Three Gorges Dam create?
China now boasts a contingent of approximately 250,000 workers employed in constructing the water conservation and hydropower projects. Their experience in building concrete gravity dams, hydropower plants, and large ship locks have prepared them to build the Three Gorges Project.
How does the Three Gorges Dam operate?
Three Gorges dam project. The Three Gorges Dam project involves harnessing the Yangtze River, Asia’s longest stretch of water, to generate prodigious amounts of electricity . Its output is estimated at 85TW/h a year, which is close to one-tenth of current Chinese requirements.
What are the negative impacts of dams?
Dams change the way rivers function. They can trap sediment, burying rock riverbeds where fish spawn. Gravel, logs, and other important food and habitat features can also become trapped behind dams. This negatively affects the creation and maintenance of more complex habitat (e.g., riffles, pools) downstream.
Empirical studies found that dam projects may worsen the living conditions of a significant number of people, especially those who are displaced. One important aspect of the social impacts caused by dam projects is involuntary displacement and resettlement [3,4,6].
Is hydropower good for the economy?
Because hydroelectric powerplants burn no fuel, operating costs are low and are immune to rising fossil fuel prices. ... As a result, these plants are playing a significant role in keeping electricity costs affordable for consumers, creating a positive impact on the economy.
What is the most expensive dam in the world?
| Three Gorges Dam 三峡大坝 | Construction cost ¥203 billion (US$31.765 billion) | Owner(s) China Yangtze Power (subsidiary of China Three Gorges Corporation) | Dam and spillways | Type of dam Gravity dam |
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Why is the Three Gorges dam not sustainable?
As the dam decreases flooding downstream , it will fragment the network of lakes around the middle as well as lower the Yangtze’s water level, making it difficult for the fish to survive. The project has already contributed to the decline of the baiji dolphin, which is so rare that it is considered functionally extinct.
What is the Three Gorges dam used for?
The main objective for the dam is to supply water for the largest hydroelectric plant in the world and to help control the devastating floods that plague the lowlands downstream from the dam.
How does the Three Gorges Dam cause pollution?
Massive wastewater discharge , the primary source of water pollution in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, along the Yangtze River adversely affects the water resources and the sustainable development of both the Three Gorges Reservoir Area and the entire Yangtze River Basin [4,5].
What is the future of the Three Gorges Dam?
The Three Gorges Dam is projected as an anchor in a string of hydropower “mega-bases” planned for the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River . By 2020, China wants to nearly triple its hydropower capacity, to 300 gigawatts.
What are the main features of the 3 Gorges Dam?
Physical description and capacity
A straight-crested concrete gravity structure, the Three Gorges Dam is 2,335 metres (7,660 feet) long with a maximum height of 185 metres (607 feet). It incorporates 28 million cubic metres (37 million cubic yards) of concrete and 463,000 metric tons of steel into its design.
