China has approved the construction of the largest hydropower dam in the world, to be built on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet. The dam, projected to generate an annual 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, will more than triple the output of the current record-holder, the Three Gorges Dam.

Strategic Importance

This mega-project is a cornerstone of China’s strategy to meet its carbon neutrality and peaking goals. It also aims to boost Tibet’s regional economy by creating jobs and driving industrial development. Chinese officials emphasize the region’s hydroelectric potential, stating that Tibetan hydropower resources account for over one-third of the national total.

“Hydropower projects in Tibet hold more than a third of China’s hydroelectric power potential,” stated officials, who claim that the environmental and water supply impact will be minimal.

The dam is strategically located where the Yarlung Zangbo drops 2,000 meters over a span of just 50 kilometers, offering immense hydropower capacity. However, the site poses significant engineering challenges due to its steep gradients and complex topography.

Concerns Raised

While the project is expected to drive economic and green energy advancements, it has sparked apprehension over its ecological impact and geopolitical consequences.

Environmental and Social Impact

The dam’s construction is expected to affect local ecosystems and displace a currently undisclosed number of residents. Its scale and environmental risks draw parallels to the Three Gorges Dam, which cost $34.83 billion and displaced over a million people.

Regional Tensions

The Yarlung Zangbo flows downstream into India and Bangladesh as the Brahmaputra River. Both nations have expressed concerns about the potential disruption of water flow and ecological stability, emphasizing the need for transboundary water-sharing agreements.

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?

The dam represents a significant leap in hydropower innovation but underscores the necessity of diplomatic efforts to address cross-border environmental and water management concerns.