China Begins Construction on World's Largest Hydropower Dam

China has officially begun construction on what is set to become the world's largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, located on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.

Premier Li Qiang announced a high-profile ceremony on Saturday, as reported by Chinese state media.

The multi-billion-dollar project, estimated at $170 billion, will feature five cascading hydropower stations capable of generating 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

This output is comparable to the total electricity consumed by the UK in a single year. China has positioned the project as part of its efforts to expand renewable energy, lower carbon emissions, and stimulate economic growth in Tibet.

Electricity generated by the dam will be distributed to other regions while also meeting the energy needs of local Tibetan communities, according to official statements.

The Yarlung Tsangpo, a 2,900-kilometre river that originates in the Himalayas, descends dramatically through what is considered the world’s deepest land-based canyon. As it flows into India and Bangladesh, the river becomes the Brahmaputra, a crucial water source for millions of people across the two countries.

The project has sparked serious concerns among Indian and Bangladeshi authorities, as well as environmental NGOs. Critics argue the dam could pose severe risks to the region’s ecological balance and the livelihoods of those dependent on the river downstream.

India's Foreign Ministry has publicly voiced its apprehension, stating it will monitor developments closely and take necessary steps to safeguard national interests. New Delhi has also urged Beijing to ensure that downstream nations are not adversely affected by upstream activities.

Environmental organizations have warned of the irreversible damage that could be caused to the fragile Tibetan Plateau, which is already under pressure from climate change. NGOs have also raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding how many communities may be displaced due to the project.