Haiya Zhang: ‘Is There a Place in China Where Dams will not be built?’

‘Is There a Place in China Where Dams will not be built?’

---Report on ‘Dam and Sustainability in China’ Program at Woodrow Wilson Center

The title is quoted from a question to Mr. Wang Hao, one of the speakers from China Institute for Water Resources and Hydropower Research.

Mr. Wang Hao first gave a presentation on Hydropower projects in China, i.e. Ertan, Ge Zhouba, and Three Gorges Dam. He briefed through the hydropower development history in China, and the current situation, as well as some of the problems faced by hydropower. Mr. Wang’s presentation was very generic in terms of data provided and comments on the relocation and environmental destruction related to the hydropower station construction.

Mr. Douglas Smith from International Hydropower Association gave an introductory presentation on the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol an enhanced sustainability assessment tool which is being used to measure and guide performance in the hydropower sector. The Protocol assesses the four main stages of hydropower development: Early Stage, Preparation, Implementation and Operation. Assessments rely on objective evidence to create a sustainability profile against some 20 topics depending on the relevant stage, and covering all aspects of sustainability. 

Ms. Desiree Tullos (Biological and Ecological Engineering, Oregon State University) lastly talked about her Sustainability and Interdisciplinary Analysis. It is a decision support tool that integrate social consensus into the analysis. She and her team incorporated questions specifically targeted at different social groups so collect their opinions on the hydropower station on Mekong River. Tullos’ study shows that academics and NGOs show concerns over big scale hydropower project, while government official note more on the positive side. Tullos’ team used surveys and questionnaires to analyze the non-quantified dimensions of hydropower stations, such as social and cultural issues. Her study is aiming to provide insights to the impact of dams on river flow and people’s life.

Mr. Wang Hao received lots of questions and concerns by the public regarding hydropower construction and solution to its drawbacks. Many questions were raised about the dam construction decision making process, and the drawback analysis on the current hydropower projects in China. Transparency of the decision making process is something that Chinese government needs to take into consideration. The public has a strong desire to know the factor driving those hydropower projects. To open up the process may help the public understand the situation faced by the government, and may turn collision into cooperation. Hydropower plants construction has enormous impact on people’s life along the river flow. To ease public’s doubt would make this energy solution accepted and trusted by the public and neighboring countries. After all, they are important stakeholders of the hydropower projects as well. When asked if there is any place in China where dams will not be built, Mr. Wang answered “Nu (Salween) River, China has no plan to construct any project on Nu River”. It is known that in 1970s, a 13-dam project was initiated on Salween River in Yunnan, which was then announced to be reduced to a 4-dam project due to numerous oppositions. Investigations by journalist showed little support for the dam project from locals, who feared they would not get adequate compensation. With modern information technology blooming, government officials should not underestimate people’s knowledge and information on current issues. A big civil engineering project such as hydropower station does not need anti-trust from the general public.

Regarding the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment by International Hydropower Association, a protocol is developed for developers to improve and to get further finance. It took in integrated aspects of sustainable hydropower construction, and built a framework for stake holders, specifically developers, to follow. However, it only provides recommendations, and lack of strong incentives and consistency. Perhaps governments can adopt this protocol, and add more incentives for developers to follow. Then the Assessment can be more practical.

References:

--Jianqiang, Liu (2007-02-28). "Fog on the Nu River". China Dialogue. http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/show/single/en/811-Fog-on-the-Nu-River. Retrieved 2009-12-04.

--www.salweenwatch.org

--"Salween River". Foundation for Ecological Recovery, http://www.terraper.org/key_issues_view.php?id=6. Retrieved 2009-12-04