China Proceeds With Brahmaputra River Hydropower Project Amidst Environmental Concerns
Summary
China is moving ahead with a massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, drawing fresh concern in India over downstream water flow, seismic risk, and environmental impact. The project is expected to become one of the world's largest, with five planned stations and an estimated 60-gigawatt capacity.
Key Points
- China has included the Brahmaputra/Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower project in its 15th Five-Year Plan for Renewable Energy Development.
- The project in Tibet’s Nyingchi region is expected to be among the world’s largest, with an estimated 60-gigawatt capacity and annual output of about 300 billion kilowatt-hours.
- India is concerned about possible impacts on downstream water availability, river flow, and safety in a seismically risky Himalayan region.
- China says the project will not harm downstream areas and could help with flood control and disaster mitigation.
