China has officially launched the world's largest hydroelectric project in Tibet, raising expectations not only for its huge energy resources but also for its far-reaching economic and geopolitical impacts.
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| Photo: China Starts Construction on World's Largest Hydroelectric Dam in Tibet |
Energy and Economic Expectations
The project to build a hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (also known as the Brahmaputra) in downstream Tibet has a capacity of up to 60 GW, three times that of the Three Gorges Dam - China's current largest hydroelectric project. With a total investment of up to 137 billion USD, this is considered one of the largest infrastructure projects in the world.
The electricity generated from the super dam will be transmitted through a modern high-voltage power grid worth 7 billion USD to key economic regions such as Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. The project is key to helping China increase its share of renewable energy while reducing its dependence on imported energy, which will account for nearly 25% of the country's total demand in 2023.
Environmental and social impacts
Construction of the dam in a rugged, high-altitude area and the complex winding Yarlung Tsangpo Gorge poses challenges in protecting diverse ecosystems and the lives of local communities. Many experts warn of the risk of negative impacts on the environment and natural landscape if the project is not strictly managed.
Geopolitical concerns from downstream countries
The hydropower project has raised serious concerns from downstream countries such as India and Bangladesh. The Brahmaputra River is an essential source of life for millions of people in these two countries, and China's control of the water source is considered to have a direct impact on the region's water security and economic development.
The mega-dam in Tibet represents China’s great ambition to develop renewable energy and ensure national energy security. However, for the project to be truly sustainable and not cause environmental and social consequences as well as geopolitical tensions, there needs to be close coordination between stakeholders and strict supervision during the construction and operation process.
References:
People’s Online Newspaper
Wall Street Journal
VnExpress
The Week
