Author: Dr CUI Zhenhua
According to the 13th Hydropower Development Plan of China (2015-2020), issued by National Energy Administration, small and medium hydropower is strictly restricted and the retirement mechanism needs to be developed. The top priorities addressed within the HDP are environmental flow discharge and rectification of SHP which are located in the core and buffer area of Nature Reserves especially for those that lack an EIA or other similar permit.
Mainly, ecological impact, safety issues and economic concerns are the main reasons for very small, single-purpose hydropower projects and tiny energy generation as well as small useless dam removal in China; although, small hydropower dams and small dams used to play a very important role in China’s rural electrification. But more recently, both the agency and public are concerned about river health. However, more work still needs to be done regarding the awareness of importance of fish migration, river restoration and river ecosystems.
We hope that in the near future, Dam Removal Europe and supporters can help stir awareness in this part of the world and continue the movement to free rivers and fish!
Dr. Zhenhua CUI, engineer.
National Research Institute for Rural Electrification
Hangzhou Regional Center (Asia-Pacific) for Small Hydro Power (HRC)
Research interest: Green small hydropower, environmental and ecological impact of SHP
