China has approved the construction of the world’s largest dam, which will be three times more powerful than the current largest dam, the Three Gorges Dam, providing significantly more energy.
According to Chinese state news agencies, the super dam will be built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. The cost of this project is estimated at $137 billion, making it the most expensive infrastructure project on Earth.
The Yarlung Tsangpo River flows through the deepest water gorge in the world in Tibet and eventually reaches India, where it is known as the Brahmaputra. The river passes through the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, eventually flowing into Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal. The dam will be constructed in an area with heavy rainfall.
Once completed, the dam is expected to produce nearly 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, compared to the 88.2 billion kilowatt-hours produced by the Three Gorges Dam. The power generated will be enough to meet the annual needs of over 300 million people.
The project was first proposed in China’s 2021 five-year plan, with the concept of a “super dam” gaining approval. To harness hydroelectric power from the river, 4 to 6 tunnels, each 20 kilometers long, will need to be drilled in the mountains to divert 50% of the river’s flow. The project will be based on the latest technology and geological research, ensuring a scientifically sound and secure foundation.
It is important to note that, unlike the Indus Water Treaty between Pakistan and India, there has been no agreement on the distribution of the river’s water between China, India, and Bangladesh.
