Author Archive

Failed Mechanism: How the CDM is subsidizing hydro developers and harming the Kyoto Protocol

Abstract The Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is set to provide massive subsidies to hydropower developers while increasing greenhouse gas emissions, according to an investigation by International Rivers. As of November 1, 2007, 654 hydro projects had received or applied to receive carbon credits from the CDM. If approved, these credits would provide hydro developers with a windfall of around a billion dollars each year. Hydro is now the most common technology in the CDM, representing a quarter of all projects in the project pipeline. International Rivers’ report, “Failed Mechanism: How the CDM is subsidizing hydro developers and harming the Kyoto Protocol,” was released on December 2, 2007, at the UN climate negotiations in Bali. “The CDM is blindly subsidizing the destruction of rivers, while the dams it supports are helping destroy the environmental integrity of the CDM,” says report author Barbara Haya, a consultant for International Rivers.
Author Barbara Haya, International Rivers Network, November 2007,
Publisher
Link http://www.internationalrivers.org/files/attached-files/failed_mechanism_3.pdf
Attachment
4 Hydropower, 4.2 International Rivers Reports, 4.2.2 China’s Role in Building Dams Globally

Dams Built by China

Abstract 3 pages of links to many detailed case studies in Africa and Asia
Author International Rivers
Publisher
Link http://www.internationalrivers.org/taxonomy/term/1045
Attachment Sorry, no attachments exist.
4 Hydropower, 4.2 International Rivers Reports, 4.2.2 China’s Role in Building Dams Globally

Cambodia’s Hydropower Development and China’s Involvement

Abstract Cambodia is on the threshold of committing to an extensive domestic hydropower development program, financed with the support of the Chinese government and facilitated through the technical expertise of Chinese construction companies. The Cambodian government has prioritized access to cheap and reliable electricity to sustain its economic development, yet as a result of decades of fighting and instability, Cambodia’s electricity infrastructure remains rudimentary and the cost of electricity amongst the highest in the world. In response, the Cambodian government plans to prioritize the exploitation of Cambodia’s hydropower resources together with the construction of a network of high-voltage transmission lines that would connect remote hydropower stations to urban centers and also facilitate power imports from Thailand and Vietnam. (Note: the English language part of this document starts on p12.)
Author Carl Middleton, International Rivers and Rivers Coalition in Cambodia, January 2008
Publisher
Link http://www.internationalrivers.org/files/attached-files/cambodia_hydropower_and_chinese_involvement_jan_2008.pdf
Attachment
4 Hydropower, 4.2 International Rivers Reports, 4.2.2 China’s Role in Building Dams Globally

Sinohydro Projects Overseas

Abstract This spreadsheet, downloadable below, contains 203 dam projects the Sinohydro Corporation is involved in outside of China. For some of the projects, only a memorandum of understanding has been signed. Others are currently being studied regarding their feasibility or are under construction. Yet others have already been completed. The spreadsheet is based on media reports, and the sources of information are indicated. In some cases, we have double-checked the information, but we are not able to do this comprehensively, and cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information. Please be aware that not all entries in the database may be up to date. While some projects on the list may not go forward, others may be missing. We welcome corrections and additions. The spreadsheet is an information service which does not give exact figures, but indicates the approximate scale of dam building by Sinohydro around the world.
Author International Rivers, May 30, 2012
Publisher
Link http://www.internationalrivers.org/resources/sinohydro-projects-overseas-3580
Attachment
4 Hydropower, 4.2 International Rivers Reports, 4.2.2 China’s Role in Building Dams Globally

Chinese Dams in Africa

Abstract Chinese corporations, financial institutions, and the government are involved in billions of dollars worth of large dams in Africa. Civil society and dam-affected peoples’ movements are concerned that China’s own poor record on protecting human rights and the environment could mean trouble for African rivers now targeted for Chinese-built large dams.
Author International Rivers
Publisher
Link http://www.internationalrivers.org/campaigns/chinese-dams-in-africa
Attachment Sorry, no attachments exist.
4 Hydropower, 4.2 International Rivers Reports, 4.2.2 China’s Role in Building Dams Globally

Chinese Dam Builders: Going Overseas

Abstract Over the past five years, the appetite for large hydropower projects by South-east Asian and African countries has increased significantly and created an opportunity for Chinese companies, supported by Chinese government loans to become involved in international dam building. China’s state owned Sinohydro Corporation estimated to have as much as a 50 per cent share of the international market.
Author International Rivers
Publisher
Link http://www.internationalrivers.org/campaigns/chinese-dam-builders
Attachment Sorry, no attachments exist.
4 Hydropower, 4.2 International Rivers Reports, 4.2.2 China’s Role in Building Dams Globally

China Overseas Dams List

Abstract This spreadsheet lists dam projects with various types of Chinese involvement. It includes projects which are developed or funded by Chinese institutions, or for which Chinese companies have won major contracts. For some of the projects, only a memorandum of understanding has been signed. Others are currently being studied regarding their feasibility or are under construction. Yet others have already been completed. The spreadsheet is based on media reports, and the sources of information are indicated. In some cases, we have double-checked the information, but we are not able to do this comprehensively, and cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information. Please be aware that not all entries in the database may be up to date. While some projects on the list may not go forward, others may be missing. The spreadsheet is an information service which does not give exact figures, but indicates the approximate scale of Chinese dam building around the world.
Author International Rivers
Publisher
Link http://www.internationalrivers.org/resources/china-overseas-dams-list-3611
Attachment
4 Hydropower, 4.2 International Rivers Reports, 4.2.2 China’s Role in Building Dams Globally

The New Great Walls: A Guide to China’s Overseas Dam Industry

Abstract Chinese dam companies and financial institutions are outpacing their competitors in overseas dam contracts. China’s overseas dam industry is building hundreds of dams around the world, particularly in Southeast Asia and Africa, but also in countries like Pakistan and Albania. What can communities impacted by these projects do to protect their rights and advocate for rivers targeted for dams built by China? This guide provides useful information for groups concerned about dam projects in which Chinese companies and financiers are involved.
Author Nicole Brewer, International Rivers, July 15, 2008
Publisher
Link http://www.internationalrivers.org/resources/the-new-great-walls-a-guide-to-china%E2%80%99s-overseas-dam-industry-3962
Attachment
4 Hydropower, 4.2 International Rivers Reports, 4.2.2 China’s Role in Building Dams Globally

Yunnan Hydropower Expansion Update on China’s energy industry reforms & the Nu, Lancang & Jinsha hydropower dams

Abstract Energy sector reforms in China have unleashed an explosion in power industry development proposals across the country. Nation-wide there is an intention to almost double hydropower capacity by 2010. The reforms have led to a nation-wide surge in competition between corporate generators to secure actual and potential power-producing ‘assets’, and nowhere are dam builders aspirations’ greater than in the south-west, especially Yunnan Province. Mekong Region is taken to encompass the territory, ecosystems, people, economies and politics of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and China’s Yunnan Province (Mingsarn Kaosa-ard and Dore 2003). In the past Yunnan has been seen as a peripheral province – both geographically and sociopolitically. However, in terms of both the Mekong Region and China, Yunnan is increasingly important. The purpose of this research paper is to provide a brief update on what is happening in Yunnan – looking at the Nu, Lancang and Jinsha rivers – and then situate this within the wider context of China’s changing political economy.
Author International Rivers/ WORKING PAPER Chiang Mai University’s Unit for Social & Environmental Research & Green Watershed, Kunming, PR of China March 2004
Publisher
Link http://www.internationalrivers.org/files/attached-files/yunnanhydropower.pdf
Attachment
4 Hydropower, 4.2 International Rivers Reports, 4.2.1 Dams in China

Xiaoxi and Xiaogushan CDM Hydropower Projects: Report from a Field Trip, November 2008

Abstract German power utility RWE, one of the biggest CO2 emitters in Europe, intends to buy CDM credits from numerous large hydro projects in China. RWE has commissioned certification company TÜV SÜD to write WCD compliance reports for the Xiaoxi and Xiaogushan dams. TÜV SÜD has ruled both projects WCD compliant. (TÜV SÜD was previously hired by the developer of Xiaoxi to validate its eligibility for the CDM. It gave the dam a positive validation). Xiaogushan Dam was “registered” (approved) by the CDM Executive Board in 2006. Xiaoxi’s application for approval was stalled in October 2008 when the Executive Board requested a review of the project’s validation on several grounds related to additionality. The aim of this report is to present findings relevant to judging whether the Xiaoxi and Xiaogushan hydropower stations are indeed likely to be WCD compliant. We also make some remarks relevant to the issue of additionality. It is not the aim of this report to make an argument for or against the expansion of hydropower in China (or, for/against particular dam projects).
Author Tina Lea, International Rivers, 27 November 2008
Publisher
Link http://www.internationalrivers.org/files/attached-files/xiaoxixiaogushanreport.pdf
Attachment
4 Hydropower, 4.2 International Rivers Reports, 4.2.1 Dams in China