The Three Gorges Dam is not only China's pride but also a focus of global attention.
As the world's largest hydroelectric power station, the Three Gorges Project cost about $35 billion to construct, requiring a significant amount of manpower and resources.
Since its completion, the Three Gorges Dam has been the subject of ongoing controversy.
Some argue that it's a complete failure of a project, questioning whether the massive investment in the dam can be recouped.
The economic benefits of the Three Gorges Dam can be summarized as follows:
1. Electricity Generation Benefits: The Three Gorges Power Station is one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world, with the highest generating capacity globally.
As of 2023, it has generated a cumulative total of 1.4 trillion kWh of electricity.
Calculated at $0.07 per kWh, this generates approximately $73 billion in revenue annually for the country.
2. Energy Substitution: The power generation capacity of the Three Gorges Power Station is equivalent to that of a super-large coal mine producing 50 million tons annually or a super-large oil field producing 25 million tons annually, providing a significant amount of clean energy.
3. Shipping Benefits: The improvement of the navigation conditions in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River due to the Three Gorges Power Station has significantly reduced fuel consumption for ship transportation, reducing transportation costs by 35% to 37% and enhancing the advantages of water transport.
4. Shipping and Tourism: The completion of the Three Gorges Dam has enabled two-way navigation on the Yangtze River, increasing lock passage fees and driving the development of tourism.
The tonnage of ships has increased from 1,000 tons to 5,000 tons, greatly enhancing navigational capacity.
Millions of tourists visit the Three Gorges Dam each year, promoting the development of local tourism.
Since its completion, the Three Gorges Dam has not only recouped its investment economically but has also played an important role in flood control and power generation.
1. Flood Control Function: During the flood season, the dam opens its gates to divert upstream floodwaters into the reservoir, reducing the water level upstream and alleviating downstream flood pressure.
The reservoir's water storage capacity also lowers downstream flood levels, protecting areas along the Yangtze River from flood damage and providing safety assurance for people in the Yangtze River basin.
2. Power Generation Function: As one of the world's largest hydroelectric power stations, the Three Gorges Dam makes full use of the Yangtze River's water resources, with a huge power generation capacity.
With a dam height of 180 meters, length of 2,309 meters, reservoir water level of 175 meters, total installed capacity of 22.4 million kilowatts, and 34 generating units, it can generate 6,250 kWh per second at full capacity.
This means it can generate 540 million kWh per day, meeting the annual electricity needs of over 5 million households.
The Three Gorges Dam has also created numerous job opportunities locally, reduced property losses caused by floods, and improved people's sense of security.
As long as proper maintenance is carried out, the dam can be used for the long term.
In conclusion, the Three Gorges Dam has not only recouped its investment but also its construction and operation have brought multiple benefits, proving its enormous value.
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