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)