The operator of China's Three Gorges Dam says the dam provides huge benefits to society and the country's economy, due to its electricity production, flood control, drought prevention, and navigation.

The Three Gorges Corporation released its first social responsibility report on Sunday. The report says the dam guards against floods in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and has helped alleviate the region's worst drought in 50 years.

According to the report, the dam has released more than 20 billion cubic meters of water downstream this year in an effort to raise water levels. In addition, the dam provided nearly 85 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity last year, which helped avoid emitting more than 70 million tons of carbon.