On Brahmaputra River in Tibet
China plans to build the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, costing around $137 billion. The dam will generate 300 billion kilowatts annually, enough to power 300 million people in China. This project will surpass all existing global hydropower projects in size.
The Tibet hydropower project, with a cost much higher than the initially estimated $137 billion, is expected to meet one-third of China’s electricity needs. However, concerns about its environmental impact, displacement of people, and disruption to the river’s flow remain unaddressed.
China’s planned dam will control the flow of the Brahmaputra River, giving it power over water release to India and Bangladesh. Reduced water flow could lead to a crisis, while increased release could cause dangerous flooding.
China’s Brahmaputra dam, part of its 14th Five-Year Plan, could become the world’s largest infrastructure project, costing $137 billion. The dam will control water flow, raising concerns about India's water supply.
This project could heighten geopolitical tensions, make India dependent on China for water, and increase the risk of flooding and conflicts over resources.
China claims its Brahmaputra dam will not affect downstream regions and focuses on clean energy, climate change, and hydrological disaster management. Officials highlight decades of research and environmental protection to ensure the project's sustainability.