China approves construction of $127b dam in Tibet

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China has approved the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. The move sparked concerns in India and Bangladesh.

The project, which aims to generate three times the energy output of the Three Gorges Dam, currently the largest hydropower plant globally, will be situated in the lower reaches of the river.

Chinese state media has described it as a project prioritizing ecological protection while contributing to local development and Beijing’s climate neutrality objectives.

Despite official assurances, human rights organisations and environmental experts have flagged potential adverse effects.

The dam’s construction, first announced in 2020, could displace local communities, alter the natural landscape, and harm ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau, known for its rich biodiversity.

Reports indicate that the project involves drilling at least four 20-kilometer-long tunnels through the Namcha Barwa mountain to divert the river’s flow.

The massive scale of the project has raised questions about its environmental sustainability and the number of people it might displace.

By comparison, the construction of the Three Gorges Dam resulted in the resettlement of 1.4 million people.

Chinese authorities have stated that the dam will have minimal environmental impact but have not disclosed details regarding potential displacement.

The transboundary nature of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which flows into India’s Arunachal Pradesh and Assam states before reaching Bangladesh, has heightened concerns in neighboring countries. Experts warn that the dam could enable China to control or alter the river’s flow, potentially affecting water availability downstream. A 2013 report by the Australian-based Lowy Institute highlighted the strategic significance of the Tibetan Plateau rivers, noting that control over these waterways could provide China with significant leverage over India’s economy.

In response to China’s announcement of the dam project in 2020, Indian officials indicated plans to develop a large hydropower project and reservoir to mitigate potential impacts. China’s foreign ministry defended its position, stating that it has a legitimate right to harness the river and had considered downstream effects.

The project’s ambitious scope is complicated by the river’s dramatic topography. Flowing through the world’s deepest canyon, the Yarlung Tsangpo drops 2,000 meters over just 50 kilometers, presenting enormous hydropower potential but also significant engineering challenges. The site lies along an earthquake-prone tectonic plate boundary, increasing risks associated with construction.

Chinese researchers have previously raised concerns that extensive excavation in the steep gorge could trigger landslides and mudslides. According to a senior engineer from Sichuan’s geological bureau, such natural disasters could pose uncontrollable threats to the project.

The dam is expected to cost approximately $127 billion, as estimated by the Chongyi Water Resources Bureau. It will be China’s most extensive hydropower endeavor to date, reflecting the country’s push to harness renewable energy resources while raising critical questions about its environmental and geopolitical consequences.