Environmental, socio-economic and technical risks of construction of the Nizhne-Zeyskaya hydroelectric power station and alternative solutions

The construction of the Nizhne-Zeyskaya hydroelectric power station, the largest of those currently being designed in Russia, is envisaged by the General Scheme for the Placement of Electric Power Facilities until 2042. The article examines the complex of consequences of the construction of this hydroelectric power station and substantiates the conclusion that its construction is inappropriate. The Nizhne-Zeyskoye reservoir will sharply reduce the ecological corridors of the meridional direction that are extremely important for the sustainability of the region’s ecosystems, will entail a decrease in biodiversity, and will significantly reduce the effectiveness of at least four specially protected natural areas. In socio-economic terms, one should expect a very significant depletion of hunting resources for the local population, a reduction in the fish stock – the most valuable commercial fish, sensitive losses of agricultural land – arable land, pastures, hayfields, difficulties with navigation, and a decrease in the recreational value of the territory. The protective anti-flood role of the reservoir will not be significant; the interception of the same volume of flood waters in the region can be ensured at much lower costs and in a shorter time. Currently, the Amur Region does not need additional electricity, but if it is needed for the development of the region, then, as shown in the article, the increase in its production can be ensured by alternative methods – both hydroelectric power plants at other sections of the Amur tributaries, and the construction of nuclear power plants and thermal power plants on natural gas, which are safer ecologically and more efficient economically.