Reiterating hydropower as a "clean and renewable" source of energy and stressing the country's ambitious plans to further tap the resource, director of the newly organized State Energy Bureau, Zhang Guobao, also expressed at an industry forum concern over the "demonizing" from overseas of the country's efforts to exploit its rich hydropower reserves.

We believe these concerns are unnecessary.

We would rather our decision-makers forget about such noise and stay focused on their jobs. If there are people determined to demonize the country, they will always find excuses to say whatever they like.

Economic and environmental common sense have convinced us that hydropower will prove a sensible choice in both meeting national energy demands and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

The country's long dependence on fossil fuels, particularly coal, has resulted in pollution, ecological damage, cave-ins and acid rain.

In terms of emission-control alone, our 690 million-kilowatt theoretical reserve of hydropower deserves serious attention as an ideal alternative source of power. According to the government's mid- and long-term development plan for renewable energy, nationwide hydropower-generating capacity will reach 300 million kilowatts by 2020.

That would more than double the 145 million kilowatts generated by the end of last year. Which means the country aspires to achieve in 13 years what it has done over the past decades.

We have little doubt of this ambitious goal being fulfilled. The country's financial prowess is unprecedented, and so are its technological capabilities for handling major engineering projects.

The real challenge will be in the planning process. It is reassuring to hear Zhang, the newly appointed energy chief, cautioning against rampant dam building and what he termed "over exploitation".

In addition to feasibility studies on traditional concerns such as technology and the relocation of people, scrutiny of environmental and ecological consequences must be emphasized.

In making decisions about such projects, which will yield long-term, if not permanent, environmental and ecological impact, the authorities must also show maximum patience and listen to various voices. A healthy atmosphere for constructive discourse is essential for making wise decisions, and an advisable way to avoid silly mistakes before it is too late.

(China Daily 05/10/2008 page4)