China’s new hydropower plant: energy revolution or environmental threat?

China’s new hydropower plants: energy growth, anxiety, and global attention

China has once again made a major step in the global energy market: State Council Chairman Li Qiang officially announced the start of construction on five cascade hydropower plants on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, reported chinadaily.com.cn. About $167 billion is planned to be spent on implementing the project.

The facilities, which will be built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River flowing through the Tibet region, are expected to generate 300 billion kWh of electricity annually. China Yajiang Group has been appointed responsible for the project. This energy will primarily supply the population of Tibet, and surplus power will be supplied to other regions of the country.

According to the BBC, these facilities will be able to generate three times more energy than China's famous Three Gorges Dam. This is expected to be a new stage in the history of world hydropower.

However, the project has also sparked serious debate internationally. Authorities in neighboring countries such as India and Bangladesh see China’s move as an attempt to establish full control over the region, control water resources, and gain new economic leverage. Environmentalists and local activists, for their part, are concerned about the negative impact of the new hydropower plants on the ecosystem and the river’s flow. Particularly, there is concern about the risk of flooding or water shortages downstream.

The geological characteristics of the area where the project is located may also pose various risks. Experts note that building a dam in such a narrow and deep gorge may increase seismic activity. If an earthquake or strong tremor occurs and the dam is destroyed, this can lead not only to economic, but also to major human casualties.

Therefore, this mega-project, while opening up new developments and opportunities in energy, also raises the relevance of regional anxiety and global risks. Now all attention is focused on China’s new hydropower strategy, its consequences, and its impact on international relations. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!