1/7/2025
On January 4, 2025, I experienced a curious incident. An old classmate from my teenage years in Tianjin attempted to leave comments on my blog but encountered technical difficulties. Without reaching out for clarification, she abruptly unfriended me, likely assuming I had blocked her. This reminds me of a young relative of mine who quit a family group, probably due to inability to digest different views. While surprising, I’ve come to accept her choice as a reflection of her own perspective rather than mine.
This event reminded me of a broader truth: people's actions reveal more about them than about us. The same principle applies to nations and their pursuits.
Toward the end of 2024, Reuters reported on China's project to build the world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet. The scale and implications of this endeavor are monumental.
Key Figures and Highlights from the article
1. Electricity Generation Capacity: Tibet holds over one-third of China’s hydroelectric potential. The new dam is projected to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually—more than three times the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam, the current largest, which produces 88.2 billion kWh.
2. Geographical Context: Located on the lower reaches of the China's Yarlu Zangbu River 雅鲁藏布江, (Yǎlǔ Zàngbù Jiāng) on the Tibetan plateau. This section is near the Yarlu Zangbu Grand Canyon, one of the deepest and most dramatic river gorges in the world. The area is rugged, remote, and challenging for construction but offers unparalleled energy generation opportunities.
3. Engineering Challenges: The river descends 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) over a short span of 50 kilometers (31 miles), presenting unparalleled hydropower potential alongside significant engineering complexities.
4. Strategic Importance: Central to China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. Expected to stimulate engineering, boost related industries, and create jobs in Tibet.
5. Global Impact: The Yarlu Zangbu becomes the Brahmaputra River downstream in India and Bangladesh, raising concerns over water flow alterations and ecological impacts in those nations.
6. Broader Developments: China has already initiated hydropower generation on the upper reaches of the river and plans further projects upstream.
Benefits of the Yarlu Zangbu Dam
This hydropower project promises transformative benefits for China and the region:
Unparalleled Energy Output: The dam’s annual electricity production will significantly expand China’s renewable energy capacity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing clean energy initiatives.
Carbon Neutrality Goals Providing a massive source of clean energy, the dam supports China’s commitments to achieve carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, helping mitigate global greenhouse gas emissions.
Regional Development Economic growth in Tibet will be catalyzed, with job creation during and after construction. Improved infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, will enhance the quality of life and unlock new opportunities for residents.
Hydropower Stability Unlike solar and wind energy, hydropower offers reliable, steady output critical for grid stability and meeting baseline energy demands.
Flood Control and Water Management By regulating river flow, the dam could mitigate the risk of seasonal flooding downstream, potentially benefiting regions in India and Bangladesh prone to such challenges.
Innovation in Renewable Energy As the largest hydropower project globally, it may inspire future advancements in renewable energy technology, shaping projects in China and beyond.
The tone of the article is factual and cautionary with critical undertones and emphasis on geopolitical angle, potential environmental impacts and displacement of communities. Large project like this faces significant challenges technically and ecologically, and those regarding potential displacement of communities.
Finally, the Yarlu Zangbu hydropower dam embodies China’s ambition to lead in renewable energy and infrastructure. Once completed, it will transform Tibet’s economic landscape and stand as a symbol of China’s engineering prowess. Its success will depend on balancing benefits with the challenges, ensuring its legacy as a global benchmark for sustainable development.