China plans world’s biggest hydro dam in Tibet

IN STRIVING for carbon neutrality, China aims to build the largest hydroelectric dam in the world on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet.

According to an Al Jazeera report this week, the river represents the goddess Dorje Phagmo, one of the highest incarnations of Tibetan culture, and is of particular religious value.

It flows across the Himalayas and supplies an approximately 1.8 billion population in China, India and Bhutan with drinking water.

Across the planet, tens of thousands of major dams are nearing the end of their projected lifespans, resulting in a substantial increase of collapses. A World Bank report says there are now nearly 19 000 major dams that are more than 50 years old.

The proposed mega-dam project to be constructed in Medog county will produce 60 gigawatts of hydroelectric power and have more extensive hydroelectric capacity than China's.

Three Gorges Dam, which saw the evacuation of 1.4 million people and became the highest installed capacity power station (22 500 megawatts) in the world in 2012.

After substantial monsoon rainfall in 2020, the dam's annual output reached 112 terawatt hours (TWh), smashing the previous world record of 103 TWh set by the Itaipu dam in 2016.

Medog county has 14 000 inhabitants and the town of Metok sits within the valley of the Tsangpo River, the lowest of all the districts of Tibet, with rich flora and fauna. According to news outlet Anadolu Agency, the plateau is spread over 2.5 million square kilometres and presents an opportunity for commercial activity and commerce as it borders China, India, and Nepal.

Beijing has strengthened efforts with new hydroelectric schemes in Tibet, even though Tibetans and environmentalists have opposed the plans.