New Delhi:
In a move that promises to reshape the energy landscape but also sparks significant environmental and geopolitical concerns, China has approved the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet. This monumental project, set to produce a staggering 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, is poised to have far-reaching implications for the region, particularly for India and Bangladesh.
The Ambitious Hydropower Project
Located in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, this dam is expected to more than triple the electricity generation capacity of the current world’s largest dam, the Three Gorges Dam in central China. The project’s enormous potential is underscored by the river’s dramatic 2,000-meter drop within a short 50-kilometer span, offering immense hydropower opportunities as well as unique engineering challenges.
The dam is a cornerstone of China’s strategy to achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, and it is anticipated to stimulate related industries such as engineering and create jobs in the Tibetan region. However, the financial outlay for this project is expected to be substantial, likely exceeding the $34.83 billion spent on the Three Gorges Dam, which included the resettlement of 1.4 million people.
Environmental and Geopolitical Implications
While Chinese officials assert that the hydropower projects in Tibet will not significantly impact the environment or downstream water supplies, concerns from India and Bangladesh are mounting. The Yarlung Zangbo River, which becomes the Brahmaputra River as it leaves Tibet, flows through India’s Arunachal Pradesh and Assam states before entering Bangladesh. Alterations to the river’s flow and course could have devastating effects on the local ecology and the livelihoods of millions downstream.
China’s ongoing and planned hydropower projects on the upper reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo have already raised alarms, and this new dam is likely to exacerbate these concerns. The potential displacement of local communities and the impact on the rich and diverse ecosystem of the Tibetan plateau remain significant unanswered questions.
