China has greenlit the construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to the Indian border, with an estimated price tag of $137 billion.. The project, designed to harness the river’s hydropower potential, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh about its impact on water flow and regional stability. The dam will generate 300 billion kWh of electricity annually, enough for 300 million people, and will involve diverting a significant portion of the river’s flow. The project is seen as vital for China’s energy needs, national security, and regional cooperation.

China has given the green light for the construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, near the Indian border. The project, estimated to cost $137 billion, has raised concerns in neighboring countries, including India and Bangladesh, regarding its potential impact on water flow and regional stability.

The Brahmaputra flows across the Tibetan Plateau, where it carves the world’s deepest canyon, dropping 25,154 feet before entering India. The dam will be built in a region of China that experiences the highest rainfall, ensuring a significant water flow for the project.

Rich Hydropower Potential of the Yarlung Tsangpo

Earlier statements by officials highlighted the hydropower potential of the Yarlung Tsangpo area, emphasizing its rich resources. Yan Zhiyong, former chairman of the Power Construction Corporation of China, explained that the lower reaches of the river feature a vertical drop of 2,000 meters over a 50 km distance, offering nearly 70 million kilowatts of potential—more than three times the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam, which has an installed capacity of 22.5 million kilowatts.

Energy and Environmental Concerns

The hydroelectric project is projected to generate over 300 billion kWh of electricity annually, enough to power 300 million people. The ambitious plan involves constructing four to six tunnels, each about 20 km long, through the Namcha Barwa mountain to divert around 2,000 cubic meters per second of the river’s flow.

The Chinese government has assured that extensive geological studies and technological advancements have made the project feasible and environmentally secure. They emphasize that the dam is not only crucial for energy production but also for national security, environmental protection, and fostering regional cooperation.

China expects the hydropower station to generate an annual revenue of $3 billion for the Tibet Autonomous Region. The project is seen as an opportunity for greater international cooperation, particularly with South Asia, and is positioned as a key element of China’s long-term development strategy.

source: The Times of India