Marking five years since its overall completion, the Three Gorges project on the Yangtze in the Chinese mainland has proven to be a powerful multi-purpose marvel. From taming floods to powering cities, this engineering giant is reshaping landscapes and livelihoods.
Flood Control in Action
The dam and upstream reservoir network have intercepted over 29 billion cubic meters of floodwater in the past five years—dramatically lowering the risk of major floods in the middle and lower Yangtze.
Clean Energy Engine
As the world’s largest hydropower base, the Three Gorges power plant has generated more than 423 billion kilowatt-hours. That’s equivalent to saving 128 million tonnes of coal and cutting 347 million tonnes of CO—powering sustainable growth across the region and beyond.
Securing Water Supply
During dry seasons, the project has released 82.4 billion cubic meters of water, ensuring reliable supply for industry, households and ecosystems downstream.
Boosting Shipping & Connectivity
Trade along the Yangtze is surging. Over 700 million tonnes of cargo passed through the locks in five years. Annual freight topped 150 million tonnes for three consecutive years, reaching a record 168 million tonnes in 2023. The ship lift—an on-demand water elevator—has supported 1.7 million passenger trips and moved 15 million tonnes of cargo.
Since construction began in 1994, this 2,309-meter-long, 185-meter-high dam with twin five-tier ship locks and 34 turbines (totaling 22.5 million kilowatts) has evolved into a comprehensive water-control system. Its success illustrates how large-scale infrastructure can deliver lasting benefits—powering economies, protecting communities, and advancing sustainable development.
Reference(s):
Five years on, Three Gorges project delivers all-round benefits
cgtn.com
