China's $100BN Himalayan Mega Dam

Summary

China is planning to build the world's largest hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, with the potential to produce three times the electricity of the Three Gorges Dam. This ambitious project faces enormous challenges due to its remote location, environmental risks, and seismic activity in the region. The dam could shift geopolitical dynamics in South Asia, especially with neighboring countries like India and Bangladesh, who are concerned about water control and the impact on their water resources. Despite the immense difficulties, China’s track record in mega-projects suggests they might pull it off, raising questions about its global consequences.

Takeaways

• 😀 China's planned hydroelectric super dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River could generate 60 gigawatts of power, significantly more than the Three Gorges Dam.
• 😀 The location of the dam, in the Yarlung Tsangpo Gorge, is known for its steep terrain, making it a prime spot for hydroelectric energy generation.
• 😀 The dam project is expected to have severe geopolitical consequences, particularly for downstream countries like India and Bangladesh, which rely on the river's water.
• 😀 Concerns are growing that the dam could disrupt the flow of water, causing water shortages and flooding for farmers in India and Bangladesh.
• 😀 India is planning its own dam to store and control water resources, which could complicate the situation for Bangladesh, located at the river’s mouth.
• 😀 The region is prone to seismic activity, raising concerns about potential disasters if the dam is damaged by earthquakes or landslides.
• 😀 The Yarlung Tsangpo River has a long history of providing water for agriculture, but the dam could threaten this essential resource.
• 😀 China's dam project might exacerbate tensions with India, which already has a contentious relationship with China due to border disputes and resource competition.
• 😀 The dam could be used as a strategic tool by China to exert influence over India and Bangladesh, increasing geopolitical risks.
• 😀 While China is known for its ability to tackle ambitious engineering projects, the super dam presents significant environmental, technical, and geopolitical challenges.
• 😀 The consequences of this dam could lead to further strain on already fragile diplomatic relationships in the region, potentially affecting food production and regional stability.

Q & A

What is China's planned mega dam, and where is it located?

China's planned mega dam is the world's most complicated and powerful hydroelectric project, set to be built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (also known as the Brahmaputra) in Tibet. The dam will harness the natural power of the river, which flows through a remote and rugged part of China near the Indian border.

How much electricity will the mega dam potentially generate?

The super dam could generate up to 60 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, which is three times the power generated by the largest dam in the world today, the Three Gorges Dam in China.

What makes the location for the dam so challenging?

The location of the dam is in a remote, steep, and difficult-to-reach area, surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in the world. The region is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and landslides, which pose significant engineering and environmental challenges.

Why is the Yarlung Tsangpo River considered ideal for this project?

The Yarlung Tsangpo River is ideal for this mega project due to its steep descent, particularly in the Yarlung Tsangpo Gorge. The river drops over 2,000 meters in altitude within a short distance, providing a significant natural source of hydroelectric power.

What are the potential environmental risks of building the dam?

The dam could severely impact the biodiversity in the region, as it lies within one of the most ecologically diverse and sensitive areas on Earth. This includes disrupting local wildlife and plant species, as well as affecting local ethnic communities who depend on the river.

How might this dam affect China’s downstream neighbors, particularly India and Bangladesh?

The dam could drastically alter the water flow downstream, affecting water availability and agricultural practices in India and Bangladesh. Both countries rely on the river for water and fertile sediment, and any disruption could lead to water shortages, flooding, and decreased soil fertility.

What is the geopolitical significance of this project?

This project has significant geopolitical implications, as it would give China control over a major water source shared with India and Bangladesh. This could be used as a strategic tool to exert influence over its downstream neighbors, exacerbating existing tensions between these countries.

What were some of the early, controversial proposals for building the dam?

One early proposal suggested using a nuclear weapon to blow up the gorge to create the dam, a plan that was eventually discarded by the Chinese government.

How does China's demand for electricity influence this project?

China's rapidly growing demand for electricity, which currently exceeds that of the United States, is a driving factor behind this project. As the country shifts toward renewable energy sources, hydroelectric power from this mega dam would help meet its energy needs while reducing reliance on coal.

What are the main engineering challenges for constructing the dam?

The major challenges include the region's remoteness, the need to transport construction materials, and the difficulty of building infrastructure in an area prone to earthquakes and landslides. Additionally, the environmental and cultural impact on local communities adds further complexity to the project.