Chinese Premier Li Qiang has launched the construction of a massive hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, marking what could be China’s most ambitious energy venture since the Three Gorges Dam. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Nyingchi City, within the Xizang autonomous region, with an estimated investment of 1.2 trillion yuan ($167.8 billion), according to state news agency Xinhua.
The project comprises five cascade hydropower stations, boasting an annual production capacity of 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh). This output matches Britain’s total electricity consumption in 2024, as reported by Reuters. The dam will harness the Yarlung Zangbo River’s dramatic descent—2,000 meters over just 50 kilometers—presenting a significant hydropower opportunity. While the project aims to meet local energy needs in Xizang and generate electricity for external markets, it has sparked international concerns.
India and Bangladesh have raised alarms about the potential impact on the millions living downstream. Non-governmental organizations have also expressed worries about the risks to one of the region’s richest and most diverse ecosystems. In response, Beijing has asserted that the dam will help satisfy power demands in Tibet and across China, claiming it will not significantly affect downstream water supplies or the environment.
The project’s scale and ambition could reshape China’s energy landscape and influence global hydropower trends. If successful, it may set a precedent for large-scale hydropower development in challenging terrains, despite environmental and geopolitical concerns. However, the project’s impact on regional water security and ecosystems remains a contentious issue, potentially sparking further debate on the balance between energy development and environmental preservation.
As the project progresses, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how China addresses these challenges and whether the dam becomes a model for future hydropower ventures or a cautionary tale about the complexities of large-scale energy projects.