Five years after achieving full operational status, China's Three Gorges Project has emerged as a cornerstone of integrated river management, delivering unprecedented benefits across flood prevention, renewable energy production, and regional economic development.
Guardian Against Floods
Through coordinated operations with upstream reservoirs, the project has intercepted 29 billion cubic meters of floodwater since 2019, dramatically reducing risks for 400 million residents in the Yangtze River basin. This engineering marvel has rewritten flood control strategies in one of Asia's most densely populated regions.
Powering Sustainable Growth
As the world's largest clean energy base, the Three Gorges power plant has generated 423 billion kWh of electricity – enough to power Japan for six months. This output represents a reduction of 347 million tonnes in CO2 emissions, accelerating China's transition to low-carbon development.
Economic Lifeline
The project's shipping infrastructure has handled 700 million tonnes of cargo since 2019, with annual volumes growing 12% year-on-year. Its innovative ship lift system has cut transit times by 40%, creating new opportunities for regional trade and tourism.
Architectural Legacy
Spanning 2.3 kilometers with a 185-meter-high dam, the $37 billion complex features 34 turbo-generators and sophisticated lock systems. This technical achievement continues to inform major infrastructure projects across Asia and beyond.
