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 (US$21.7 billion). 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.
(Xinhua News Agency February 17, 2006)