China Plans to Construct the World’s Largest Hydropower Dam in Tibet
China has officially approved the construction of what is expected to become the world’s largest hydropower dam. This ambitious project, located on the eastern rim of the Tibetan Plateau, is set to transform the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River. While the project aims to bolster China’s energy output and achieve sustainability goals, it also raises significant environmental and geopolitical concerns, particularly for downstream nations like India and Bangladesh.
A Monumental Undertaking
The hydropower dam, estimated to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, will surpass the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam, the current largest hydropower project globally. The Three Gorges Dam, located in central China, has a designed capacity of 88.2 billion kWh. The new dam’s projected output more than triples that figure, underscoring the scale of this undertaking.
The Power Construction Corporation of China first proposed the project in 2020. It is positioned in a section of the Yarlung Zangbo River where the water drops dramatically by 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) over a span of just 50 kilometers (31 miles). This natural topography offers vast hydropower potential, alongside significant engineering challenges.
Meeting Energy and Climate Goals
China’s official news agency, Xinhua, reported that the project would play a pivotal role in the nation’s carbon peaking and neutrality goals. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the dam is expected to contribute to China’s transition to clean energy. Furthermore, the project is anticipated to stimulate related industries such as engineering and create new employment opportunities in Tibet.
Despite these potential benefits, the scale and complexity of the dam make it an expensive endeavor. The construction costs, which include engineering expenses, are expected to eclipse those of the Three Gorges Dam, which totaled 254.2 billion yuan ($34.83 billion). That figure accounted for the resettlement of 1.4 million people and exceeded initial cost estimates by over four times.
Environmental and Social Concerns
The Tibetan Plateau is home to one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the region, and concerns about the dam’s environmental impact are mounting. Authorities have not disclosed how many people will need to be relocated or the extent of potential ecological disruptions.
Chinese officials maintain that hydropower projects in Tibet, which hold more than a third of the country’s hydroelectric potential, will have minimal environmental consequences and will not significantly affect downstream water supplies. However, skepticism persists, particularly from neighboring nations.
Geopolitical Tensions
The Yarlung Zangbo River flows from Tibet into India, where it becomes the Brahmaputra River, and eventually reaches Bangladesh. Both countries rely heavily on the river for agriculture, drinking water, and energy. India and Bangladesh have voiced concerns that the new dam could alter the river’s flow and course, leading to potential disruptions in water availability and local ecosystems.
China’s ongoing hydropower projects on the upper reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo have already stirred tensions. With plans for additional upstream developments, the new dam further intensifies these geopolitical sensitivities.
A Balancing Act
China’s commitment to renewable energy and carbon neutrality is commendable, and the new dam has the potential to be a cornerstone in its sustainability strategy. However, the project’s scale raises pressing questions about its environmental, social, and geopolitical impacts. Balancing the benefits of clean energy with the need for ecological preservation and regional cooperation will be crucial as construction progresses.