China to Seek Foreign Help on Huge Dam : Energy: After expected approval is granted on the world’s largest hydroelectric project, loans, parts and technology will be needed.

China will seek foreign loans, technology and parts in building the world’s largest hydroelectric dam--the controversial Three Gorges project on the Yangtze River, an official news report said.

The dam at Three Gorges has not yet been formally approved by the government. But after months of positive official comment and heavy publicity in the state-run media, approval seems guaranteed.

It is expected to come when the National People’s Congress, China’s legislature, holds its annual meeting in March.

The dam would generate 17.6 million kilowatts of electricity, compared to 12.6 million kilowatts produced by Itaipu in Brazil, now the world’s largest hydroelectric project.

“We need foreign experience during construction, and we are interested in securing foreign loans,” the China Daily newspaper quoted Zhao Chuanshao of the Ministry of Water Resources as saying.

Zhao is in charge of the ministry’s international cooperation unit.

Government reports say the dam will cost $10.45 billion at 1990 prices, but critics say it will cost far more.

Zhao said China is willing to import key technologies, materials and spare parts and might jointly manufacture some parts. However, he did not make clear how large a role foreign companies would be allowed.

Some foreign engineering companies have expressed interest in participating and have taken part in feasibility studies.