欧洲视角下的湖北：三峡大坝引领绿色能源与旅游融合新篇章

Draft of interview

Kjeld Friis Munkholm, CEO at Munkholm & Zhang Consulting, interviewed by Mr. Chen Peng, Deputy General Manager, at Hubei Shunda International Travel Service Co., Ltd. during visit to The 3 Gorge Dam in Hubei Province. 17 October 2024.

Based on the file: Hubei Province information with focus on Tourism_MZC_19oct24,by Mr. Kjeld Friis Munkholm.

Interview with Kjeld Friis Munkholm

Chen Peng (CP):

Mr. Munkholm, it’s an honor to have you with us today at the Three Gorges Dam. Despite your long history in China, this is your first visit to Hubei Province and the dam. Can you share your initial thoughts and reactions?

Kjeld Friis Munkholm (KFM):

Thank you, Mr. Chen. It’s an absolute pleasure to be here. It’s true—despite living and working in China for over 25 years, this is my first visit to the Three Gorges Dam and to Hubei Province. I’m both amazed and humbled by what I’ve seen so far. The Three Gorges Dam, in particular, is a colossal achievement. I had read about its size and significance, but seeing it in person is something else entirely. The dam represents not just the pinnacle of engineering but also China’s ability to balance economic development with sustainability. It’s one thing to understand it from reports, but being here, you truly grasp its magnitude, both physically and in terms of its impact on renewable energy, flood management, and even tourism.

CP:

Given that you’ve followed the progress of this project over the years, how do you compare your expectations with the reality of seeing the dam in person?

KFM:

My expectations were certainly high, considering how integral the Three Gorges Dam is to China’s energy infrastructure and environmental management. But seeing it in person exceeds any expectations I had. The dam is not only about generating electricity—though with an annual capacity of over 88 terawatt-hours (TWh), it produces enough clean energy to power entire regions of China—but also about how it integrates with the environment. The engineering involved in managing the Yangtze River, preventing floods, and enabling large-scale navigation is something I appreciate more fully now. It’s one thing to know about the figures, but another to stand here and witness how this enormous structure plays a role in the daily lives of millions of people.

CP:

How does a project of this scale fit into the broader vision you have for renewable energy at Munkholm & Zhang Consulting?

KFM:

The Three Gorges Dam perfectly embodies the type of large-scale solutions we advocate for at Munkholm & Zhang Consulting. It’s a project that combines energy production, environmental protection, and economic development. China’s focus on renewable energy is well-documented, but this dam highlights what’s possible when a country commits to a vision. At Munkholm & Zhang Consulting, we’re involved in projects that bring together expertise from Europe and China, particularly in renewable energy sectors like wind and solar. The Three Gorges Dam shows how countries can harness natural resources at scale without sacrificing sustainability, and that’s a model we aim to replicate in other regions. It also sets the bar for integrating renewable energy projects into the broader economy by serving multiple functions—power generation, flood control, and even tourism.

CP:

Speaking of tourism, the Three Gorges Dam has become a key attraction in Hubei Province. How do you see the region’s dual focus on energy and tourism shaping its future?

KFM:

The dual focus on energy and tourism is incredibly smart. Hubei Province is leveraging its industrial achievements, like the Three Gorges Dam, to attract millions of tourists. In fact, the dam attracts more than 3.3 million visitors annually, contributing to a tourism sector that is growing significantly. In 2023, Hubei’s GDP was valued at around ¥5 trillion (about USD 760 billion), and tourism is playing an increasingly vital role in this growth. Beyond the dam, Hubei has other attractions like the Wudang Mountains, known for Taoist heritage, and the Shennongjia Nature Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By 2035, Hubei aims to be a global destination for eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and business tourism. The balance between energy production and tourism here is something other regions can learn from—how to develop infrastructure that benefits both the economy and the environment.

CP:

You’ve mentioned eco-tourism, which seems to be a key focus for the province moving forward. How do you see smart tourism technologies contributing to this growth?

KFM:

Smart tourism technologies are the future, especially in a place like Hubei that combines rich cultural heritage with modern infrastructure. Hubei is already making strides in this area, particularly in Wuhan, the province’s capital, which has integrated smart city concepts. For instance, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can transform the tourism experience. Visitors to the Three Gorges Dam could use AR to see how the dam was constructed, while exploring the Yangtze River’s history or understanding the environmental impact of the project in real time. It’s not just about enhancing the experience for tourists but also educating them about the importance of renewable energy, cultural heritage, and environmental conservation. This type of immersive technology will make Hubei a leader in smart tourism by 2035.

CP:

This vision aligns well with the province’s broader goals. How do you see international collaboration—especially between European and Chinese companies—shaping the future of renewable energy and infrastructure here?

KFM:

There’s vast potential for collaboration between Europe and China, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure. Europe, especially countries like Denmark, has been at the forefront of wind energy and energy storage technologies, and there’s a lot we can bring to the table in terms of technical expertise and innovation. Hubei’s focus on hydropower, with the Three Gorges Dam as the cornerstone, provides an excellent platform for further integration of solar and wind energy. European companies can play a critical role in helping to diversify China’s renewable energy portfolio, particularly as the country seeks to meet its carbon neutrality goals by 2060. Moreover, with Hubei’s emerging role in smart cities and sustainable urban planning, European firms with expertise in these areas can collaborate on projects in cities like Wuhan, which is fast becoming a hub for green technology and urban innovation.

CP:

Wuhan has indeed been a focal point for Hubei’s growth. How do you view the city’s trajectory over the next decade, especially in terms of innovation and sustainability?

KFM:

Wuhan is not just the heart of Hubei but a key player in China’s broader innovation and sustainability plans. With a population of over 11 million and contributing approximately 34% of Hubei’s GDP, Wuhan is pivotal to the province’s economy. The city has emerged as a leader in high-tech industries, particularly in biotechnology, optoelectronics, and semiconductors. The East Lake High-Tech Development Zone, or Optics Valley, is home to over 1,800 high-tech firms, and the city’s research and development spending—around 3.5% of GDP—is expected to rise to 5% by 2035. Wuhan is also positioning itself as a leader in electric vehicles (EVs), with companies like Dongfeng Motor Corporation ramping up EV production. The city’s infrastructure and technology capabilities, combined with its commitment to green technologies, make it a key player not just in Hubei but in China’s overall growth strategy.

CP:

With Wuhan and Hubei as a whole pushing forward in innovation and renewable energy, how do you foresee the province’s role in achieving China’s long-term sustainability goals?

KFM:

Hubei is critical to China’s long-term sustainability goals, particularly in its push towards carbon neutrality by 2060. The Three Gorges Dam alone prevents around 100 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, which is a massive contribution to reducing the country’s carbon footprint. But beyond hydropower, Hubei is investing in solar and wind energy, and I expect that by 2035, the province will have significantly diversified its renewable energy sources. Hubei’s plan to expand eco-tourism also aligns with global sustainability trends, focusing on areas like the Enshi Grand Canyon and the Shennongjia region. These regions not only offer natural beauty but are also examples of how tourism can be developed sustainably without harming the environment. Additionally, Hubei’s infrastructure investments—whether in high-speed rail or smart cities—further position it as a leader in sustainable development. I believe Hubei will be a model province for integrating green energy, eco-tourism, and smart infrastructure, contributing significantly to China’s global leadership in sustainability.

CP:

With your first visit to the Three Gorges Dam and Hubei Province behind you, what are your key takeaways, and how do you see the future unfolding for both the province and the broader region?

KFM:

My visit has reinforced just how vital Hubei is to China’s future—and by extension, the global economy. The province is at the crossroads of some of the most important trends of our time: renewable energy, sustainable development, and technological innovation. Hubei is set to become not just an economic powerhouse but a leader in demonstrating how these forces can work together. My key takeaway is the immense potential for international collaboration—there’s so much that European companies, particularly in wind energy, smart infrastructure, and green technologies, can offer as Hubei continues to develop. I look forward to seeing how the province continues to evolve over the next decade, particularly as it implements its plans for 2035 and beyond. This is a region to watch closely.

CP:

Thank you so much, Mr. Munkholm, for sharing your deep insights today. We look forward to seeing how the partnerships between Munkholm & Zhang Consulting and Chinese stakeholders continue to grow and evolve.

KFM:

Thank you, Mr. Chen. It has been a privilege to visit this remarkable region and a privilege to talk with you, I am excited about the future possibilities for collaboration and innovation in Hubei.