China has approved the construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to the Indian border. The project, estimated to cost USD 137 billion, is set to become the largest infrastructure venture globally. The hydropower project will be built in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River (the Tibetan name for Brahmaputra), and is expected to dwarf China’s Three Gorges Dam, the current largest dam worldwide.
The dam will be constructed in a gorge along the Himalayan range, where the Brahmaputra makes a U-turn towards India’s Arunachal Pradesh and flows into Bangladesh. This decision has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, particularly about China’s potential control over water flow, which could impact both countries during times of conflict.
China’s previous project in Tibet, the USD 1.5 billion Zam Hydropower Station, became operational in 2015. The Brahmaputra dam is part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and other long-term development objectives. The project aims to harness the river’s hydropower potential, with an expected annual energy production of over 300 billion kWh, enough to power 300 million people.
India has expressed concerns that the dam’s scale could allow China to manipulate water flow, especially in the event of hostilities. However, India and China have a mechanism for sharing hydrological data on the Brahmaputra River, which has been part of discussions between top officials from both countries.
The project site, located along a tectonic plate boundary prone to earthquakes, has raised questions about its seismic safety. In response, China has assured that the project incorporates extensive geological studies and technical measures to ensure its safety. Furthermore, it has been emphasized that the dam will have a positive ecological impact and will contribute to carbon neutrality goals by promoting renewable energy sources like wind and solar power in the region.
Once completed, the project is expected to stimulate economic growth in Tibet, create jobs, and improve infrastructure, including electricity, water management, and transportation. It is also seen as part of China’s broader strategy to secure its water resources, advance its energy agenda, and foster cooperation with South Asia.
