Academician of CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences) Lu Youmei, a renowned expert on hydroelectric power, member of China Three Gorges Project Corporation (CTGPC) Technology Commission as well as chairman of China National Committee on Large Dams, is a guest at People's Daily Online on August 2, 2005, answering questions of common concern such as hydro electric power and sustainable development. Lu noted that hydroelectric power is a kind of renewable energy, and should be given priority.

How much water energy does China possess? Technologically and economically, around 400 million kw is exploitable. By the end of 2004, China has exploited 100 million kw, and the remaining 300 million kw waits to be exploited.

Lu added that China has great potentialities in terms of hydroelectric power development. Among the national total power installation, hydroelectric power only has 100 million kw-capacity, and generats even fewer electricity. Because of the uneven water flow, the installed capacity of hydroelectric stations can only be operational for 4,000 �C 5,000 hours annually.

By People's Daily Online