A green development model: transnational model-making in China's small hydropower training programmes. Issue 3 (2nd September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harlan, Tyler
• Is Part Of: Area development and policy. Volume 2:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 251
• Page End: 271
• Publication Date: 2017-09-02
• Subjects: Overseas investment -- foreign aid -- China model -- green development -- small hydropower -- technology transfer; 海外投资 -- 对外援助 -- 中国模式 -- 绿色发展 -- 小水电 -- 技术转移; Inversión exterior -- ayuda extranjera -- modelo de China -- desarrollo ecológico -- energía hidroeléctrica a pequeña escala -- transferencia tecnológica; Зарубежные инвестиции -- иностранная помощь -- Китай модель зеленого развития малой гидроэнергетики -- передача технологий; Regional planning -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Economic development -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Rural-urban relations -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Human geography -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic development -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Rural-urban relations -- Periodicals; Human geography -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 338.90091724
• DOI: 10.1080/23792949.2017.1338114
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2379-2949

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The expansion of Chinese overseas investment and aid over the past decade has triggered concern that China is 'exporting' an environmentally destructive development model to other countries. Yet China's foreign aid also includes training programmes in 'green' technologies, such as small hydropower (SHP). This paper analyzes the policies, technologies and ideas around green development that these training programmes promote, and their political and commercial benefits for Chinese actors. It frames training courses and the technology transfer activities that follow as transnational model-making in that they situate SHP as a green model that is an aspect of China's modernization. This helps to improve China's developmental reputation and promote its SHP industry and water infrastructure.