Electric power for China's modernization: the hydroelectric option. Research paper

Technical Report · Thu May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980

OSTI ID:6661460

Shortages of electric power probably will restrain the development of China's economy throughout the 1980s. Such shortages have been a major factor in the recent slowdown of economic growth and probably will prolong the current period of economic readjustment. To help meet future power needs, the Chinese are seriously considering a massive program to construct hydroelectric power stations. China has the world's largest hydroelectric resources. Although the bulk of these resources is located in remote areas of west and southwest China, an estimated 145,000 to 220,000 MW of exploitable hydroelectric capacity can be transmitted to major industrial centers using China's existing technology. This is about three to five times China's total installed capacity (thermal and hydro) at yearend 1979. The success of China's hydroelectric program depends on a number of factors. Political stability over the next five- to 10-year period is essential a return to the internal instability and confused economic planning of the past would be disastrous. An adequate source of financing also is crucial to the success of the program. The electric power industry, moreover, will have to be given priority over most other industrial sectors for domestic capital and for access to long-term foreign loans.

• Research Organization: Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6661460
• Report Number(s): PB-80-928207
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130100* -- Hydro Energy-- Resources & Availability
ASIA
CHINA
FINANCING
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
PLANNING
POWER PLANTS
RESOURCES