Second phase, 1998-2003 (six years): The second stage culminates in the first batch of turbines beginning to generate hydropower and the permanent shiplock being put into operation

Third phase, 2004-2009 (six years): The project is to be completed in 2009, when all 26 generators will be operating (Source: Xinhua news agency, Oct. 22, 2002)

 

The Four Water-Level Stages

Stage 1, 1997: The river was dammed in November 1997, and the water diverted through a man-made canal called the diversion channel. The water level in the Three Gorges area rose by as much as 10 metres as a result.

Stage 2, 2003: The reservoir will be filled between June 1 and 15, 2003, when the water level in the Three Gorges will rise from the current 66 metres above sea level to 135 metres.

Stage 3, 2006: The water level will be raised to 156 metres in September 2006.

Stage 4, 2009: At the completion of the project, the water level will reach 175 metres, referred to as the “normal pool level.” (Source: Three Gorges Corp. chief engineer Zhang Chaoran, quoted by Xinhua, Nov. 2, 2002)

Timetable for Tasks in 2003

Building the cofferdam (by June 10, 2003): An earth and stone cofferdam and a seepage control wall will be built by the middle of January 2003, forming the foundation for future construction on the right side of the dam [such as the power houses]. To build the cofferdam, concrete will be poured to a height of 135 metres above sea level by the end of May 2003, and to 140 metres, its maximum height, by June 10, 2003.

Filling the reservoir (June 1-15, 2003): The water will reach 135 metres above sea level by June 15, when the dam on the left side and the cofferdam on the right side will combine to hold back the water from the upstream Yangtze.

Finishing the shiplock (by June 15, 2003): The permanent shiplock will be put into operation on June 15, 2003.

Installing six of the 26 generators (2002-2003): Installation of the No. 2 and No. 5 generators must be completed by the end of 2002. A test, in which the generators are linked to the grid, will be carried out in early 2003. Four generators will be put into operation in 2003, on Aug.1, Aug. 20, Oct. 1 and Nov. 1. A total of 5.5 billion kWh of hydropower are to be produced by the dam in 2003.

Source: Lu Youmei, Three Gorges Corp. general manager, quoted in Chutian Urban Daily (Chutian dushi bao), sister newspaper of Hubei Daily, on Oct. 31, 2002)

Timetable for Tasks in 2003

The Four Water-Level Stages

The Three Construction Phases