China Begins Construction of World’s Largest Hydropower Mega Project
A Game-Changer in Global Energy Race
Beijing, July 22, 2025 — China has officially kicked off the construction of what’s being hailed as the world’s largest hydropower mega-dam, in a major leap for the country’s clean energy ambitions. Premier Li Qiang called it the “Project of the Century” during a high-profile ceremony in the Tibet Autonomous Region on Saturday.
The colossal dam is being built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in China, a waterway that flows through Tibet before transforming into the Brahmaputra River in India and the Jamuna River in Bangladesh. The site, strategically positioned in a deep canyon where the river plunges 2,000 meters over just 50 kilometers, promises to deliver unmatched hydroelectric potential.
🌍 A Mega Project With Global Implications
First announced in 2020 as part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, the project is expected to feature five cascade hydropower stations, generating an estimated 300 million megawatt-hours annually. That’s more than three times the output of the iconic Three Gorges Dam, which previously held the title of the world’s largest.
The mega-dam will reportedly cost around 1.2 trillion yuan ($166 billion USD) — nearly five times the price tag of the Three Gorges project.
🌐 Regional Tensions on the Rise
Despite China’s clean energy push, the project has drawn sharp criticism from India, Bangladesh, Tibetan advocacy groups, and global environmentalists. Critics argue that Beijing could “weaponize water”, using it as a strategic tool to control flow downstream — potentially impacting millions of lives in India’s northeast and Bangladesh.
Indian and Bangladeshi officials have repeatedly raised concerns about water security, fearing China may block or divert the river. In recent diplomatic exchanges, China has responded by insisting it does not pursue “water hegemony” and claims to remain open to multilateral cooperation on disaster management and hydro-climate data sharing.
🧭 Environmental and Cultural Flashpoints
Beyond geopolitics, the dam’s construction site cuts through a region rich in biodiversity, sacred Tibetan landmarks, and seismic activity. Environmentalists warn of risks like massive landslides, earthquakes, species loss, and cultural erasure.
Previous dam projects in the region have faced fierce local opposition. In 2024, protests against the Kamtok Dam on the upper Yangtze led to a harsh government crackdown, with hundreds reportedly detained.
Tibetan organizations highlight the lack of transparency, warning of possible mass displacement and destruction of ancient monasteries. The infamous Three Gorges Dam displaced over 1.5 million people — sparking fears of a repeat on an even larger scale.
⚡ Green Energy or Greenwashing?
Despite the backlash, Chinese authorities insist the mega-dam is a cornerstone of the nation’s renewable future, aimed at boosting energy security, decarbonizing the grid, and creating thousands of jobs.
“Special emphasis must be placed on ecological protection to avoid environmental degradation,” said Li Qiang, stressing that sustainability will remain a top priority throughout the development phase.
📊 A Global Watchpoint
With the global race for clean energy intensifying, this hydropower behemoth is being closely watched by governments, climate experts, and investors worldwide. The dam marks a critical chapter in China’s green energy dominance — but at what cost?
