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How Chinese scientists fought for 74 years to build most powerful dam on Earth – and won

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on South China Morning Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: China has officially launched construction of the Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower project in southern Tibet — set to become the world’s most powerful dam
The project comes after 74 years of scientific exploration, beginning with China's first Tibetan expedition in 1951
The Yarlung Tsangpo dam is expected to generate nearly three times more electricity than the current world leader, the Three Gorges Dam

🔭 The context: The Yarlung Tsangpo River originates near Mount Kailash in western Tibet and descends dramatically through the Himalayas before entering India as the Brahmaputra
Its deep gorge and steep drop offer unparalleled hydropower potential
Despite decades of interest, extreme terrain, seismic activity, and geopolitical concerns — particularly with downstream India and Bangladesh — have delayed development
Persistent research since the 1950s has culminated in Beijing greenlighting this megaproject

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: While touted as a renewable energy milestone, the dam raises serious ecological and geopolitical concerns
The region’s fragile ecosystem and biodiversity may be at risk, and downstream water availability for India and Bangladesh could be affected, potentially escalating transboundary tensions
On the climate front, if executed responsibly, the project could significantly boost clean energy capacity, displacing coal-based generation across southwestern China

⏭️ What's next: Construction is expected to span over a decade, with Chinese authorities emphasizing national security and energy transition as justifications
India has already voiced concerns over unilateral river development and may respond with diplomatic or counter-infrastructure initiatives
International environmental groups are likely to press for environmental transparency and regional cooperation on water sharing

💬 One quote: “This project is the culmination of generations of Chinese scientists who endured extreme hardship to understand the Plateau’s vast hydrological potential,” said Shi Huang, reporting for SCMP.

📈 One stat: The Yarlung Tsangpo dam is projected to generate over 90 gigawatts of electricity — nearly triple the output of the Three Gorges Dam (32 GW)

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