It's no secret that China's economy is ballooning, and so are its energy demands. The government literally can't install power plants fast enough. At least one major coal plant is currently coming online every two weeks in China. Huge growth in hydropower plants is also on the rise, and prompting heated opposition from environmentalists. This week China began construction on a massive dam for its second-largest hydropower plant, designed to power millions of new homes.

It’s the first of several such projects in development. Hydropower is a pollution-free energy source, but dams nevertheless threaten to cause serious environmental havoc. Building them requires plugging up mighty rivers and flooding surrounding villages – displacing thousands of families and homes. Construction does irreparable damage to the aquatic life and river systems.

Environmental activists and lawyers are putting up a formidable fight against dam construction, and for the first time successfully engaging the public in a debate over the perils of the projects.

The other good news is that China has agreed to take environmentally responsible steps to monitor its nationwide energy use and push for ever-cleaner and more efficient cars and power sources.

Photo credit (aerial view of Three Gorges Dam): visibleearth.nasa.gov