1. Flood control

The middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River is constantly suffered by heavily flood for hundreds of years. With a 22.15 billion cubic meters of flood control storage capacity of the reservoir. the jingjiang River Section. a most critical section in flood control. will be able to raise its flood control capability from the present 10-year frequency to the 100-year. Even should a 1000-year frequency or over flood occur. the vast plains on both sides of this river section. with the regulation of the project and with the assistance of appropriate operation of the flood diversation and retention works. would be kept from destruction which might occur the to the breaching of the main levees along the section without this project.

2. Power Generation

Being provided with total installation of generating capacity of 18200 MW. and with an average annua output of 847 TW. h. the Three Gorges Project will supply a large proportion of its electricity. This means a replacement of 40 to 50 million tons of raw coal combustion each year. And this reliable. cheap and renewable energy will play a very important role in the development of economy and prevention of environmental pollution.

3. Navigation Improvement

The 660KM long waterway from Yichang city to Chongqing Municipality will obviously be improved after the completion of the water reservoir. making it possible for 10000 tons of barge fleet to sail upstream directly to the harbors of Chongqing. Thus. an increase of annual one way navigation capacity from present 10 million tons to 50 million tons. and a decrease of 35-37% for navigation cost will be reached.