The Gigantic Structure that Controls the Yangtze River: The Past, Present, and Future of the Three Gorges Dam

The Gigantic Structure that Controls the Yangtze River: The Past, Present, and Future of the Three Gorges Dam

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### Chapter 1: Launch of the grand project (2000s)

The Three Gorges Dam, located in Yichang, Hubei Province, China, is one of the world's largest hydroelectric dams controlling the flow of the Yangtze River. Its construction officially began in 1993 and took about 17 years. The total construction cost amounted to about 180 billion yuan, which was equivalent to about 2.2 trillion yen at the exchange rate of the time.

The three main objectives of the dam are as follows

(1) Hydroelectric power generation: When completed, the total generating capacity was expected to reach 22.5 GW, generating approximately 100 billion kWh per year.
2. flood control: the project has the capacity to store water to reduce the risk of flooding in the downstream cities of Wuhan, Nanjing, and Shanghai.
3. water resource management and navigation improvement: to optimize water resources in the Yangtze River basin and to improve the efficiency of vessel transportation.

On June 1, 2003, the dam began storing water and the water level of the Yangtze River reached 135 meters. This start of water storage forced about 1.4 million residents to relocate, and new residential areas and infrastructure were built at a rapid pace.

However, the massive project was overshadowed by many environmental and social challenges.

- Deterioration of water quality: Water storage slowed the flow of water, making it easier for industrial and domestic wastewater to accumulate.
- Ecosystem change: The habitat of the Yangtze River dolphin (Baiji), a species endemic to the Yangtze River, deteriorated, contributing to its endangered status.
- Landslides and land subsidence: Landslides occurred frequently around Hubei Province and Chongqing City due to water level fluctuations.

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### Chapter 2: Power Generation and Contribution to Economic Development (2010s)

After the completion of the Three Gorges Dam, its power generation capacity had a major impact on China's energy policy. The Chinese government has strengthened the dam's role in reducing its dependence on coal and shifting to clean energy.

- Power Generation Capacity: The Three Gorges Dam is equipped with 32 700 MW generators, with a total power generation capacity of 22.5 MW. This is enough to supply about 2% of China's total electricity consumption.
- Inland economic development: improved navigation conditions on the Yangtze River have supported the growth of port cities such as Chongqing, with transit cargo volume reaching 146 million tons in 2019.

At the same time, there were concerns about increased seismic activity due to the dam. In particular, a link to the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake (M7.9) has been pointed out, and the possibility that the water pressure from the large man-made lake affected the fault has been discussed.

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### Chapter 3: Mega-dams to be tested (2020s)

In the 2020s, the Three Gorges Dam will face new challenges. In particular, extreme weather events and flood risks due to the effects of climate change are increasing, and the regulatory capacity of dams is being tested in an increasing number of situations.

#### 1. 2024 Flood Control and the Spread of Disinformation
In July 2024, the Three Gorges Dam implemented pre-flood releases in response to predicted rising water levels in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. However, some people spread misinformation that the Three Gorges Dam had been breached, causing widespread confusion, especially on social networking sites. In reality, the water was released to adjust the water level, and there was no problem with the dam structure.

#### 2. Current water level and operational status
As of August 2024, the water level of the Three Gorges Dam was 157 meters, which was within normal operational limits. Under expert monitoring, regular maintenance has been carried out and the dam continues to operate stably.

#### 3. Environmental Impact and New Initiatives
The long-term operation of the Three Gorges Dam has resulted in significant environmental changes in the Yangtze River basin.

- Deterioration of fish habitat in the Yangtze River
- Progressive water pollution around the dam lake
- Increased sediment runoff in downstream areas

To address these issues, the Chinese government has strengthened measures to reduce the environmental impact of dams. Specifically, reforestation projects and water quality monitoring systems are being strengthened in the upper reaches of the river.

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### Chapter 4: Looking to the Future

The Three Gorges Dam will remain the cornerstone of China's energy supply and disaster management policies. However, over-reliance on dams for water management may create new risks in the future.

Future challenges include,

- More flexible water level control capacity during floods
- Adaptation to changes in Yangtze River water resources due to climate change
- Adoption of new technologies to reduce impacts on ecosystems

The Three Gorges Dam is a huge infrastructure that symbolizes China's development. The Three Gorges Dam is a huge infrastructure that symbolizes China's development, but its sustainable operation will continue to be questioned.