China Launches Construction of World’s Largest Hydropower Station in Tibet

China Launches Construction of World’s Largest Hydropower Station in Tibet
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China has begun building what is projected to be the world’s largest hydropower project in the Yarlung Zangbo River gorge, located in the southwestern Tibet (Xizang) Autonomous Region, Anadolu Agency reported. Premier Li Qiang officially inaugurated the project during a ceremony in Nyingchi city on July 19, 2025, according to state media CGTN.

Described by Premier Li as a “project of the century,” the hydropower initiative will incorporate advanced technologies and materials to ensure high-quality construction. The project includes five cascade hydropower stations with a total investment estimated at 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately $167.8 billion).

Once completed, the station is expected to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually — more than three times the output of China’s Three Gorges Dam, currently the world’s largest, which produces 88.2 billion kWh.

The project is seen as a key component in China’s efforts to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, highlighting its strategic importance for national climate goals.