Three Gorges Project for sustainable development of the Yangtze valley

摘要

The Three Gorges Project recently reached another milestone, with commissioning of the last unit in the Left Bank powerhouse. This paper reviews the critical role this scheme is playing in the harnessing and development of China's Yangtze river, providing major social, economical and ecological benefits in terms of flood control, power generation and navigation. With the successful realization of the three main milestones of Phase 2 (reservoir impoundment, navigation and power generation), the overall benefits of the project are already taking effect, which will play a major role in promoting the coordinated and sustainable economic, social and environmental development in the Yangtze River Valley.