China speeds up approval for large hydropower projects

China's National Development and Reform Commission has approved Datang's 3-milllion-kilowatt Guanyinyan hydropower project in Yunnan province.

Apart from Datang's project, the NDRC has also approved the 772MW Angu hydropower plant, 720MW Zhentouba primary hydropower plant, and Shangping secondary hydropower plant since March 2012.

These are indications that China is hastening approval for large hydropower projects this year.

A bunch of hydropower projects are also expected to be approved in the second half of 2012, said insiders.

According to statistics by the National EnergyAdministration, China's investment in power generation rose 18.3 percent on year to 72.4 billion yuan in the first quarter of 2012, including 27.6 billion yuan in hydropower, up 78.06 percent on year.

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