- Record-Breaking Output: The dam will generate 300 billion kWh annually, tripling the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam.
- Strategic Role: Supports China’s carbon neutrality goals and drives economic growth in Tibet.
- Regional Concerns: India and Bangladesh fear ecological and water flow disruptions downstream.
What’s happening:
China has greenlit the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet. This ambitious project aims to produce 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually—over three times the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam, currently the largest in the world.
Why it matters:
The project aligns with China’s carbon peaking and neutrality goals, stimulating industries like engineering and creating jobs in Tibet. However, it raises concerns about displacement, local ecosystems, and international relations.
“Hydropower projects in Tibet… hold more than a third of China’s hydroelectric power potential,” Chinese officials stated, claiming minimal environmental or water supply impact.
Related Article: Hydropower-rich Tajikistan plans to produce 1 Million metric tons of Green Hydrogen
The big picture:
- Engineering scale: The dam will be built where the river drops 2,000 meters over just 50 km, providing immense hydropower potential but posing engineering challenges.
- Costs and displacement: Although financial details surpass the $34.83 billion cost of the Three Gorges Dam, authorities have yet to disclose how many people will be displaced.
- Cross-border impact: The Yarlung Zangbo flows into India and Bangladesh as the Brahmaputra, sparking concerns over water flow and ecological stability.
The Xinhua News Agency reported that the dam will “play a major role in meeting China’s carbon goals and boosting regional development.”
What’s next:
As hydropower projects expand upstream, tensions with India and Bangladesh could rise, emphasizing the need for dialogue on transboundary water management and ecological preservation.
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