China’s Premier Li Qiang announced the commencement of construction on what will be the world’s largest hydropower dam. The project, situated on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau, is estimated to cost approximately $170 billion, according to Xinhua news agency. The dam, comprising five cascade hydropower stations, will be situated in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, potentially impacting millions downstream in India and Bangladesh. Li called this hydropower initiative a “project of the century” and emphasized that ‘special emphasis must be placed on ecological conservation to prevent environmental damage,’ per Xinhua’s report on Saturday.
Authorities have not specified the number of people that the Tibet project may displace or its effects on the local ecosystem, known for its richness and diversity. However, Chinese officials assert that the dam will not significantly impact the environment or downstream water supplies. Despite this, India and Bangladesh have expressed concerns. NGOs, including the International Campaign for Tibet, argue that the dam will cause irreversible harm to the Tibetan plateau, threatening the livelihoods of millions downstream.
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The dam is projected to generate approximately 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, aiding in meeting energy needs in Tibet and across China. The project will also contribute to China’s carbon peaking and neutrality goals, stimulate related industries such as engineering, and generate jobs in Tibet, as announced by Xinhua in December when the project was first revealed.
The Yarlung Zangbo River has a striking 2,000-meter (6,561-foot) waterfall over a 50 km (31 miles) stretch, highlighting its strong hydropower prospects. As it leaves Tibet, it becomes the Brahmaputra River, flowing south through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India before reaching Bangladesh. China has begun hydropower projects on the upper reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo, which flows west to east across Tibet.
