Chengdu in the Chinese mainland — At the 28th International Commission on Large Dams Congress and the 93rd Annual Meeting, experts from around the world issued a pressing call: develop smarter, more resilient dams to tackle escalating climate challenges.
In halls packed with engineers, policy makers and tech innovators, the Chinese mainland’s Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying highlighted the urgent need for data-driven upgrades. As extreme floods and prolonged droughts push existing dams beyond their design limits, digital solutions are moving to the forefront of infrastructure planning.
The summit zeroed in on three core themes:
- Real-time Monitoring: Embedding sensors to capture pressure changes, seepage rates and vibration data.
- Predictive Analytics: Leveraging AI models to forecast stress points before failures occur.
- Global Knowledge Sharing: Creating open platforms and joint training across G20 nations and emerging economies.
From monsoon zones to arid basins, pilot projects are already testing remote monitoring and automated controls. Delegates agreed that scaling these innovations will require collaboration on open data standards and capacity-building in underserved regions.
As climate extremes intensify, the shift toward smart dams marks a turning point. By weaving together advanced engineering, digital technologies and international cooperation, the global community aims to transform dams into dynamic guardians of water security and sustainable energy.
Li Guoying underscored that smart dam solutions are essential for safeguarding water resources and powering resilient growth worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
