Sanchawan Hydro

Project Details 
 
Project Name: Sanchawan 32MW Hydro Power Project
Project Technology: Run-of-river Hydro
Location: Zhenning County, Guizhou Province, China 

Social Development
 
Local Economy
The project is situated in an underdeveloped rural region. Annual per capita GDP is under USD 700 (2007). This project will bolster the standard of living for area residents by contributing to the area’s economic and infrastructure development.
 
Local Employment
Project construction created approximately 1300 jobs for area residents. The project’s operation period provided 40 permanent jobs for local residents.
 
Infrastructure
Roads were constructed during the project’s development. Several remote villages that previously were inaccessible via car now have road access. Access to this transportation allows residents to bring their produce (such as cherries and broad beans) to markets.

Local Local Environment

No relocations:The project is situated in a very mountainous area with low population density. No residents were relocated during the construction of this project. Agricultural areas incurred minimal flooding.
No impact on river flows:  Run-of-river hydro technology insures minimal impact to the river’s natural flow.
Protection of local forests:  The project is part of Guizhou province’s program, called ‘replace firewood with electricity,’ which gives local residents improved access to electricity by reducing the cost of electricity. Because residents can cheaply access clean energy, they no longer use firewood for heating and cooking and thus deforestation is mitigated.