(December 8, 2009) As the Copenhagen climate conference opens, the existing mechanism for carbon trading is drawing close scrutiny. The Chinese authorities’ misuse of the carbon credit scheme, CDM, has come to the surface, challenging the effectiveness of the global carbon trade in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Ethiopia’s Tekeze Dam fiasco
(November 28, 2009) The recently completed Tekeze hydroelectric dam in Ethiopia is said to be the largest public works project in Africa. It also could turn in to the biggest blunder with disastrous environmental impact, as the investigative report below tries to illustrate. There is so much secrecy surrounding the project that it is not even clear who really paid for it, although the ruling Woyanne junta claims that it has provided all the funding.
Ethiopia’s Tekeze dam limps into operation
(November 23, 2009) The vastly over-budget and long-delayed Tekeze hydro-electric in Ethiopia is finally finished. The project, which was first proposed seven years ago and was scheduled to be competed in 2008, in the end cost $360-million—$136-million over budget.
Setbacks stall finish of China’s massive dam project
(November 22, 2009) Landslides have caused a go slow on filling the giant reservoir behind the Three Gorges Dam to capacity this month. As more unforeseen issues emerge, locals suffer the brunt of relocation and inadequate compensation, while experts predict further delays and problems – calling even the fate of the once mighty Yangtze into question.
Video: China’s Three Gorges dam in trouble
(November 20, 2009) Report from Al Jazeera on rising costs of the Three Gorges dam.
Wind power dilemma: Money blows away
(November 12, 2009) Various experts have started weighing in with suggestions for reducing overcapacity and streamlining wind energy in China, which is government subsidized. For example, State Council researchers recently called for a “systematic” approach to promoting healthy development of the industry.
More landslides likely as Three Gorges reservoir rises
(November 9, 2009) The Three Gorges reservoir will face an increasing number of landslides and other geological dangers if government officials persist in raising the level of water to its maximum height, says a report by Caijing magazine. The report, citing a research paper by the Chongqing Political Consultative Conference, says the higher the reservoir, the greater the risks will be for geological hazards.
Water prices to rise from next year
(November 9, 2009) The price of tap water in Beijing will increase from Jan 1, the Beijing water resources bureau said.
Three Gorges officials admit they can’t fill reservoir, for now
(November 16, 2009) Promises from the Chinese government that Three Gorges would be the world’s largest generator of reliable power seem to be evaporating before the project can be declared finished.
Out with the old, in with the new: report calls for decentralized electricity generation in Cambodia
(October 30, 2009) The Cambodian government should shelve its plans to construct massive hydro electric dams, and instead implement and enforce policies that promote decentralized electricity generation, says a new report by Probe International and the NGO Forum on Cambodia.
Government Power Policy should be rethought, report says
(October 29, 2009) High-efficiency gas-fired power plans to supply urban areas and micro hydropower, off-grid solar power, and biomass technologies in remote areas are a better power supply alternative to large hydropower projects, according to the report, which was drafted by NGO Forum together with Probe International, a Canadian advocacy group working on energy and development.
Groups say reliance on hydro may be harmful
(October 28, 2009) Cambodian media coverage regarding Probe International’s report on reforming the country’s electricity grid.
China’s dams are sinking its relationship with India
(October 23, 2009) The operators of the Three Gorges Dam are continuing to export their hydro-power schemes to countries around the globe. The latest destination is Pakistan.
China begins tweaking the price of electricity
(September 22, 2009) The Chinese government is playing economic games with the country’s electricity rates, announcing recently that it is planning to raise hydropower prices. According to Zhang Guobao, the new hydropower electricity prices will be raised in order to “subsidize” residents who were forced off their land to make way for the projects.
Xiluodu Hydropower Project Draws Auditors’ Criticism
(July 21, 2009) The Xiluodu hydropower project, China’s second-largest hydropower station, is under fire from government auditors for weak spending controls, costly contract alterations to speed up the project and other problems.
Patricia Adams
Dai Qing
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Lawrence Solomon
Mu Lan
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