China has approved the construction of what is set to become the world’s largest hydropower dam, marking an ambitious step in its renewable energy expansion. The colossal project, located on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, promises to generate unprecedented levels of electricity but has raised significant environmental, geopolitical, and social concerns.
Renewable Energy Behemoth
The dam, planned for the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, is expected to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually—more than triple the 88.2 billion kWh designed capacity of the Three Gorges Dam, currently the largest hydropower plant in the world. This renewable energy output will play a key role in meeting China’s carbon neutrality goals, providing clean energy to power its growing economy.
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The Yarlung Tsangpo offers a unique advantage for such a project due to its dramatic 2,000-meter drop over a short span of 50 kilometers, creating immense hydropower potential. However, the challenging topography also makes construction extremely complex, requiring the excavation of at least four 20-kilometer-long tunnels through the Namcha Barwa mountain.
Economic and Engineering Milestone
State media tout the dam as a “safe and sustainable project” that will stimulate engineering industries, create jobs in Tibet, and contribute to local development. However, the construction cost is projected to eclipse the Three Gorges Dam’s $34.8 billion, potentially reaching a staggering $127 billion, as estimated by the Chongyi Water Resources Bureau.
The sheer scale of the project raises concerns about its feasibility and environmental impact. The site is located on an earthquake-prone tectonic plate boundary, with experts warning of increased landslides and mudslides triggered by extensive excavation.
Human and Environmental Impact
China has not disclosed how many people will be displaced by the project, but comparisons with the Three Gorges Dam—where 1.4 million people were resettled—indicate the potential for significant human displacement. Additionally, activists and human rights organizations have flagged concerns about damage to Tibet’s diverse ecosystems. The Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as the “Third Pole,” is home to some of the world’s richest biodiversity, which faces risks from the dam’s construction and operation.
Tensions between local Tibetan communities and Chinese authorities have further complicated the situation. Earlier protests against similar projects led to arrests and alleged human rights violations, highlighting the social costs of large-scale infrastructure projects in the region.
Geopolitical Implications
The transboundary nature of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which becomes the Brahmaputra as it flows into India and Bangladesh, has stoked geopolitical tensions. Neighboring countries fear the dam will give China control over water resources critical to downstream regions, affecting agriculture and livelihoods.
India, in particular, has voiced concerns about potential water diversion. In response, Indian officials have proposed building a large hydropower project to mitigate the effects of the Chinese dam. A report by the Lowy Institute in 2020 noted that China’s control over rivers in the Tibetan Plateau provides it with considerable strategic leverage over its neighbors.
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While the dam represents a milestone in renewable energy and infrastructure development, its broader implications cannot be ignored. From environmental sustainability and social displacement to geopolitical friction, the Yarlung Tsangpo project highlights the complex interplay of progress, human cost, and international relations.