China will begin a comprehensive audit of the Three Gorges Project, the world's largest hydropower project, in March of this year, according to audit sources.

The project, which has been under construction for 12 years, is expected to cost 180 billion yuan (approximately 21.7 billion U.S. dollars). It is designed to have a combined generating capacity of 18.2 million kw upon completion in 2009.

Li Yong'an, general manager of the China Three Gorges Project Corporation, said his company is making necessary preparations to support the audit.

"The project is a key national project supported by the whole country. A comprehensive audit of the project before its completion is very essential," he said.

The project, situated in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, has cumulatively generated 100 billion kwh of electric power by Feb. 10 of this year on 14 turbo-generators already installed on the northern bank.

Twelve more turbo-generators are to be installed on the southern bank, the first of which will begin power production in 2007.

In addition to hydropower generation, the project is also expected to play crucial roles in flood control and navigation.

Source: Xinhua