NEWS – China has approved the construction of a hydropower dam along the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, which is set to become the largest hydropower dam in the world upon completion.

KEY DETAILS OF THE PROJECT:

• Scale: The dam will generate 300 billion kWh of power and will span 31 miles along the Yarlung Zangbo River, which is located near the Indian border.
• Environmental Concerns: The project has raised significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding its potential impact on downstream communities in neighboring countries, especially India.

IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT:

• Carbon Neutrality Goals: This project aligns with China’s ambitious carbon neutrality goals, aiming to achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2060. It is part of China’s effort to increase green energy production through hydroelectricity, helping to reduce its carbon emissions.
• Energy Production: The Yarlung Zangbo dam is expected to triple the energy output of the existing largest hydropower dam, the Three Gorges Dam, which is also located in China.

FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

• Cost of Construction: The construction cost of the Yarlung Zangbo dam is expected to surpass the $34 billion price tag of the Three Gorges Dam.
• Displacement of People: Similar to the Three Gorges Dam, there are concerns that the Yarlung Zangbo project could displace local populations. The Three Gorges Dam led to the displacement of 1.4 million people, raising concerns about the social impact of the new dam.

REGIONAL CONCERNS:

• Downstream Impact on India and Bangladesh: The Yarlung Zangbo River flows into India as the Brahmaputra and into Bangladesh as the Jamuna, both of which are vital sources of water for millions of people in these countries.
• India’s Concerns: India has raised concerns about the potential impact on downstream water supplies and has formally urged China to ensure the interests of downstream states are protected.
• China’s Response: Chinese state media has defended the project, calling it beneficial for Southeast Asia, but no detailed information has been provided regarding its environmental and social ramifications in Tibet.