China approves construction of world’s largest hydropower dam

Reuters

China has approved the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, expected to generate 300 billion kWh of electricity annually, far exceeding the Three Gorges Dam's capacity.

The project aims to support China’s carbon neutrality goals and create jobs in Tibet. The Yarlung Zangbo’s dramatic 2,000-metre drop over 50 km offers massive hydropower potential but also presents significant engineering challenges.

The cost of the dam is expected to surpass the Three Gorges Dam’s $34.83 billion, which included resettling 1.4 million people. While Chinese officials assure minimal environmental impact, India and Bangladesh have raised concerns about the dam’s effect on the river's flow and local ecosystems.

China has already begun hydropower projects on the upper reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo, with more planned upstream, sparking concerns among neighbouring countries.

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