2009-10-27 16:21:35Hydropower in Sichuan

Hydropower, or water power, is clean, renewable, pollution-free and low-cost. In recent years, it has become a priority for countries all over the world when they need more electricity power. Compared with traditional energies like oil and coal, hydropower is obviously more environment-friendly. Fortunately, China enjoys the top potential water power resources and the top exploitable water power among the countries all over the world.

Sichuan, being called “a Province with Thousands of Rivers”, boasts its bountiful potential water power, including 781 rivers with more than 100 MW potential water power. Thanks to the state’s 10th Five-Year Plan, hydropower
development has entered a new era of all-rounded development. Until November 2008, the installed capacity of water power in Sichuan was totaled 19,860 MW. “The 11th Five-Year Plan and 2020 Prospective Plan on Sichuan
Energy Development” (“the Plan”) further clarifies the principle of developing hydropower. According the Plan, the installed capacity in Sichuan will be totaled 30000 MW by the end of 2010, with 6000 MW electricity power transported outside of the province; by the end of 2020, the installed capacity is planed total 75300 MW with 33300 MW transported outside. So hydropower development in China is a promising industry.

Since the end of 2008, Sichuan has seen more overseas investors who are interested in hydropower projects in this province. The foreign investors pay more attention to large and medium-sized hydropower stations each with
more than 50 MW installed capacity. They would like to merger the established hydropower stations or set up new stations. Currently, China welcomes foreign investment into the hydropower industry with very few restrictions or control
policies. Projects on purchasing hydropower stations or newly setting up stations by foreign investors, if the installed capacity is planed over 100 MW, the projects are required to be reported and recorded in provincial commerce
administrations. To set up a new hydropower station needs to get approvals of competent authorities like Development & Reform Commission, Land and Resources Bureau, Water Conservancy Bureau and Environmental Protection
Bureau.