7.29.2008

Three Gorges Dam

Christoph Filnkößl
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Dreischluchtendamm_hauptwall_2006.jpg

The Three Gorges Dam is a hydroelectric river dam that spans the Yangtze River in Sandouping, Yichang, Hubei, China. It is the largest hydro-electric power station in the world. The total electric generating capacity of the dam will reach 22,500 megawatts. Several generators are yet to be installed; the dam is not expected to become fully operational until about 2011.

As with many dams, there is a debate over costs and benefits. Although there are potential economic benefits such as flood control and hydroelectric power, there are also concerns about the relocation of people who have been or will be displaced by the rising waters; siltation that could limit the dam's useful life; loss of numerous valuable archaeological and cultural sites; and the adverse effects of increased pollution upon the regional ecosystem.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Gorges_Dam

http://www.ianandwendy.com/slideshow/OtherTrips/ChinaVietnamCambodia/China/Yangtze/

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