China Unveils Ambitious Hydropower Project in Tibet
In a bold push toward renewable energy dominance, China has officially started building what is set to become the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. The project was announced in July 2025 and is being developed by China’s state-owned PowerChina.
Key Facts About the Yarlung Tsangpo Dam
- Location: Medog County, Tibet Autonomous Region
- River: Yarlung Tsangpo (known as the Brahmaputra in India)
- Planned capacity: Over 60 gigawatts (GW) of electricity
- Developer: PowerChina
- Start of construction: July 2025
Once completed, the dam is expected to surpass even the Three Gorges Dam in terms of capacity, potentially making it the most powerful hydropower station in the world.
Geopolitical and Environmental Implications
This project has raised concerns in neighboring countries, particularly India and Bangladesh, as it could impact downstream water flow in the Brahmaputra River basin. Environmental experts have also voiced apprehensions regarding the ecological impact on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Despite the controversy, China maintains that the dam will help reduce carbon emissions and meet its target of becoming carbon-neutral by 2060.
Strategic Importance of the Project
The Yarlung Tsangpo project is part of China’s larger strategy to harness its western rivers for clean energy while also boosting regional development in Tibet. It aligns with Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative and showcases its intent to lead global energy transformation through mega-infrastructure.
Timeline and Construction Challenges
The initial phase, which began in July 2025, includes setting up access roads, labor camps, and supporting infrastructure. Full-scale dam construction is expected to progress over the next decade, with completion estimated around 2035.
Trivia for Curious Minds
- Q: Which river is China’s new mega dam being built on? A: Yarlung Tsangpo
- Q: What is the projected power capacity of the dam? A: Over 60 GW
- Q: Which dam currently holds the title of world’s largest? A: Three Gorges Dam (China)
- Q: When did construction of the Tibet dam begin? A: July 2025
Quiz buffs and geopolitics enthusiasts should keep an eye on this monumental project—it’s not just an engineering feat but a major player in Asia’s future water and energy dynamics.
Source: Cnbctv18