China Starts Construction of the World’s Largest Hydropower Dam

On July 19, 2025, China officially launched the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam in the Niyang River (lower Yarlung Tsangpo River) area of Tibet. The project is undertaken by China Yajiang Group Co., Ltd. Chinese Premier Li Qiang called it a “project of the century,” aiming to meet the growing energy demands of Tibet and eastern China, and support China’s long-term carbon neutrality goals.

The dam consists of five cascade hydropower stations with a total installed capacity of 60 gigawatts, expected to generate approximately 300 billion kilowatt-hours annually — three times the capacity of the current world’s largest hydropower plant, the Three Gorges Dam. The total investment is estimated at 1.2 trillion yuan (about 167.8 billion USD), with operations planned to begin in 2033.

The project will become a key renewable energy infrastructure for China and symbolize an important milestone in promoting a low-carbon economy and energy transition. However, the plan has raised strong concerns from neighboring India and Bangladesh, who worry about potential changes in downstream water flow affecting their water security. International environmental organizations have also expressed worries about the potential negative impacts on local ecosystems and Tibetan communities.

The Chinese government emphasizes ecological protection and social stability during construction and hopes to maintain communication and cooperation with downstream countries to ensure sustainable regional water resource management.