China has officially begun construction on what is set to become the world’s largest hydropower dam, a landmark project that underscores the country’s commitment to expanding renewable energy and reducing reliance on coal.
Located on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, the new dam is projected to surpass the Three Gorges Dam in capacity, potentially generating over 70 gigawatts of electricity—enough to power nearly 100 million homes. The project is part of China’s broader push to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 and to secure long-term energy independence through massive infrastructure investments.
The development, overseen by the state-owned Power Construction Corp of China (PowerChina), is expected to take over a decade to complete and will involve cutting-edge engineering to harness the high-altitude river’s powerful flow. Once operational, the dam is also likely to help stabilize power grids across southwestern and central China.
However, the project has sparked concerns from environmentalists and geopolitical analysts. Critics warn of potential ecological damage to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and rising tensions with downstream nations such as India and Bangladesh, which rely on the river’s flow.
Despite the controversy, Chinese authorities maintain the project is a strategic necessity to meet the country’s future energy needs. Upon completion, the dam will solidify China’s dominance in global hydropower development and mark another milestone in its ambitious green transition.
