In the Tibetan Upland, in the heart of 1 of the most spectacular river valleys in the world, China began building the largest water dam in human history. The project, which is to be built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (on a further episode falling into the Indian Brahmaputra), is not only awesome but besides controversial.
Yarlung Tsangpo is 1 of the fastest and most “stromy” rivers in the world, with an awesome decline of over 2,000 metres over 50 km. Thanks to specified favourable conditions, the dam will be able to make over 300 billion kWh per year, or 3 times more than the current evidence holder – the Dam of 3 Breakthroughs on the Yangtze River. The task will be implemented by the recently formed China Yajiang Group and will cover 5 cascade dams. It is estimated that the full investment will absorb 254 billion yuan, or about 143 billion PLN.
This awesome plan not only fits into the Chinese climate neutrality strategy by 2060, aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and expanding the share of renewable energy sources, but is besides evidence of a wider Beijing plan for strategical planning for the region. Tibet is liable for about 30% of Chinese hydroelectric potential. In addition to water power, Chinese state-owned companies intensively exploit the rich Tibetan deposits of lithium, copper, gold and uncommon earths.
The dam will be built in the deepest canyon of the world, which extends over 500 km and is deeper than the Grand Canyon of Colorado, which means considerable engineering challenges. For example, it requires 4 20 km long tunnels to be hollowed out by Namcha Barwa – 1 of the most seismicly active places in the world.
It is apparent that specified a immense task creates many controversy – political and social. India is peculiarly afraid due to the fact that Yarlung Tsangpo falls into Brahmaputra as a origin of life for millions of people in the northeastern regions of the country. Moreover, this river flows through the disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh, to which China claims its rights as its territory. India and Bangladesh are besides afraid about the negative effects of a Chinese hydroelectric power plant on their agriculture, fisheries and access to drinking water, which, after summing up, gives an perfect tool for political pressure. Ecologists besides thunder about the demolition of local ecosystems, the stopping of sludge flows fertilizing dirt and the threat to endemic species of local fauna and flora.
Undoubtedly, this monumental plan is not only a technological feat, but another test of balance between improvement and responsibility. Will China be able to reconcile energy ambitions with environmental concern and stableness of the region? Time will bring an answer. Work related to the implementation of this gigantic hydrological task began on Saturday 19 July this year. The investment is planned for 2033 and the mark power of the hydroelectric plant is 60 1000 MW.
Written by Dr. Ewa Fronczak
Email: == sync, corrected by elderman ==
© www.chiny24.com
