New Hydropower Station in SW China Operating SmoothlyErtan Hydropower Station, which is located on the lower reaches of the Yalong River, a branch of the Yangtze River, is operating smoothly and generating enormous economic, social and environmental benefits thanks to governmental efforts to correct some glitches that appeared early on.The power station went under construction in 1991 and started operation on August 18, 1998. It met some difficulties in the first days, but now these troubles have been basically resolved due to the coordinated work by governments of different levels. Currently, all its six generation units are working. It generated 5.1 billion kwh of electricity in 1999, 8.39 billion kwh in 2000 and is expected to turn out 12.7 billion kwh this year and 14.6 billion kwh next year. The power project, with a total investment of 28.55 billion yuan (including 930 million U.S. dollars World Bank loans) is the first of its kind in China to adopt FIDIC rules in its construction. Meanwhile, it has adopted a modern corporate system with the board of directors in charge of major managerial issues. |
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