Official announcements from the Chinese government or major news outlets

China Approves $137 Billion Hydropower Dam on Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, to Generate 300 Billion kWh

Dec 26, 2024, 06:54 AM

China has approved the construction of what will be the world's largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, known as the Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet. The project, set to be built in the lower reaches of the river, is expected to generate nearly 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which is three times the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam. The total investment for the dam could exceed 1 trillion yuan (US$137 billion), making it the most expensive infrastructure project globally. The dam will be constructed in the deepest canyon on Earth, with a vertical difference of 7,667 metres, and in one of the rainiest parts of mainland China. The project is anticipated to play a major role in meeting China's carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, stimulate related industries, and create jobs in Tibet. However, the project has raised concerns from India and Bangladesh about potential impacts on downstream water supplies and local ecosystems, particularly as the Yarlung Tsangpo becomes the Brahmaputra River as it flows into these countries.