Dam Construction on Tibet's Yarlung Tsangpo River... Three Times Larger Than Sanxia Dam
Direct Blow to India on the Border... Downstream Countries Expected to Oppose
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China’s decision to build a hydroelectric power plant capable of producing 60 million kW on the Yarlung Zangbo River (known as the Brahmaputra River in India) in the Tibet Autonomous Region is expected to provoke strong opposition from downstream countries such as India. Once completed, the hydroelectric power plant is reported to generate three times the electricity of the Three Gorges Dam.
According to Chinese media including the state-run Global Times on the 30th, POWER CHINA signed a strategic cooperation agreement last month with the Tibet Autonomous Region, which includes the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021?2025). Chinese media added that the Yarlung Zangbo River hydroelectric power plant plan is proposed in the 14th Five-Year Plan and the medium- to long-term goals for 2035. This report indicates that the Chinese government is effectively moving forward with the construction of the Yarlung Zangbo River hydroelectric power plant, which has been delayed for over a decade. The Global Times quoted Yan Ziyong, chairman of POWER CHINA, saying that a hydroelectric power plant will be built downstream of the Yarlung Zangbo River and described it as a “historic opportunity for the hydropower industry.”
Chinese portal sites such as Baidu and Tencent also featured the Yarlung Zangbo River hydroelectric power plant plan as a major news item. China has so far postponed the construction of the hydroelectric power plant considering relations with downstream countries, but explained the necessity of the project by stating that it can no longer delay construction due to changing international circumstances.
Chinese media particularly emphasized environmental issues and economic feasibility. They linked the construction of the hydroelectric power plant to President Xi Jinping’s 2060 “carbon neutrality (zero carbon dioxide emissions)” declaration. They reported that the Tibet Autonomous Region holds 200 million kW of water resources, accounting for 30% of China’s total. Utilizing the 2,000-meter drop in the downstream gorge of the Yarlung Zangbo River, it is possible to generate 60 million kW of electricity. They claimed that once the hydroelectric power plant is completed, it will significantly reduce power plants using fossil fuels such as thermal power plants. Economically, it is said to help the development of the underdeveloped Tibet region. Chinese media added that the Tibet Autonomous Region generates an annual income of 20 billion yuan (approximately 3 billion USD) through hydropower.
The Yarlung Zangbo River, originating from the Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, has the world’s largest gorge with a depth exceeding 5,000 meters. The river stretches about 2,900 km.
The problem is that this river passes through Bangladesh and merges with India’s Brahmaputra River. The Brahmaputra River meets the Ganges River and flows into the Bay of Bengal. Downstream countries such as India are concerned that China’s Yarlung Zangbo River hydroelectric power plant could damage the surrounding environment and fear that China might weaponize “water.”
Lin Boqiang, a professor at Xiamen University in China, seemingly aware of opposition from neighboring countries, said, “Development projects on transboundary rivers require international cooperation,” adding, “The construction of the Yarlung Zangbo River hydroelectric power plant will provide more opportunities for cooperation with South Asian countries.” He further stated, “China possesses various experiences related to the construction of hydroelectric power plants, including technology and resettlement plans for local residents.”
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