Hydropower at what cost? – Three Gorges Dam in China

Website design By BotEap.comDams have been used as sources of hydroelectric power for many years. In 2006, the body of the largest hydroelectric plant in Yichang, China was completed. By October 2008, the original dam plans were completed with 32 generators working to generate power. Additional turbines were added to the original plans and should be completed by 2011. From October 2008 to September 2009, the plant produced enough power to cover almost 1/3 of the total cost of production with almost 350 terawatt hours of electricity. . But what is the price that local people and ecological systems have to pay for this energy?

Website design By BotEap.comThe floods caused by the Three Gorges River Dam caused more than a million people to lose their homes. Local ecological systems are being damaged and destroyed and the risk of landslides has increased dramatically. Still, the dam remains the most productive hydropower plant in the world. Damage to local ecosystems defeats the purpose of producing alternative energy.

Website design By BotEap.comUltimately, the world needs the energy that water can generate, but destroying the Earth in the process is not a green option. In addition to the damage created by the dam itself, it is necessary to install substations and super power lines to transfer the energy created to the people who can use the energy. This results in an even larger carbon footprint on earth.

Website design By BotEap.comThe United States, Canada, and British Columbia are learning from this kind of destruction. Micro hydroelectric plants are currently the focus of these countries. Microsystems can provide a fraction of total production, but the local environment is preserved.