China debuts world's largest 300 billion kWh hydro-power dam in Tibet

China has officially launched construction of the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, with a projected annual electricity output of 300 billion kilowatt-hours—about three times that of the Three Gorges Dam. The project, announced by Premier Li Qiang and initiated in July 2025 near the Indian border city of Nyingchi, will feature five cascade hydro-power stations and requires an estimated investment of 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately $167 billion). While primarily aimed at generating electricity for external markets, it will also supply local energy needs in Tibet. China asserts that comprehensive scientific assessments have been conducted to prevent negative impacts on downstream ecosystems, geological stability, and the water rights of neighboring countries, emphasizing benefits such as disaster prevention, climate adaptation, and regional energy cooperation. Despite these assurances, the dam has raised significant concerns in India and Bangladesh due to the transboundary nature of the river—known as the Brahmaputra downstream. Officials and analysts worry