Hydroelectricity debate conducive to policymaking
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In a rare outburst, an official from the Ministry of Environmental Protection openly suggested that hydroelectric power could be more harmful to the environment than thermal power, which China now heavily relies on.
An official from the National Development and Reform Commission soon went to the media in an attempt to disprove this theory.
Unlike previous debates, this time it is a rift between high-ranking officials rather than a handful of environmentalists that has brought the issue to the public's attention.
It marks a big stride forward for China. This public debate shows the indecisiveness of officials who are beginning to worry about the downside of hydroelectricity, a solution previously thought to be beyond reproach.
China has long been trying to tame its rivers to satisfy a seemingly endless demand for power. But so far the country is still painfully reliant on thermal power, which accounts for around 80 percent of its energy needs. When China's economy expands along with its electricity consumption, its business cycle ultimately synchronizes with its consumption of coal, natural gas, and petroleum. Pollution combined with a rigid reliance on carbon energy - with which China is not generously endowed - serves as the rationale for the promotion of other "clean energy" including hydroelectric and nuclear power.
In recent years, China has become increasingly aware of the possible cons of hydroelectricity. Although hydroelectric power stations do not consume fossil fuels or produce polluting effluents, the construction of power stations is often met with resistance justified by environmental considerations, including damage to aquatic ecosystems, destruction of fertile land and forest, and unfavorable changes in geological conditions.
Behind the environmental claims are the social considerations, which were previously downplayed in power stations' balance sheets. The relocation of migrant residents affected by the building of dams is exceedingly expensive.
What's more, it's almost impossible to monetize the cultural attachment a migrant feels to a place he has lived, as well as the historical significance of some spots. Scrutiny of the distribution of compensation is also not so efficient as to prevent embezzlement on a massive scale. Social problems arising from the construction of dams are grave. It's now necessary to seriously incorporate them into the policymaking process.
However, it would be an ominous sign if the general public abstains from speaking out, leaving only top experts and officials to lecture us. Participation from the public before construction takes place is of the utmost importance. Local residents should voice their demands when bargaining over compensation with the government. Information on environmental consequences should be made public so that scientific results are translated into a fair cost and benefit analysis and a sound policy settlement.
Better scrutiny over funds related to construction is also something to be desired. All in all, the public plays an important role, because building a dam to generate electricity has profound environmental and social repercussions for everyone involved.
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