China's mega hydropower project

China's mega hydropower project

¨     China's mega hydropower project is being constructed on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Medog County, Tibet.

¨     The project is also known as the Yarlung Tsangpo Downstream Hydropower Station or the Medog Hydropower Station.

¨     Construction of the project formally began in July 2025.

¨     The dam site is located about 50 km from India's Arunachal Pradesh border.

¨     The estimated project cost has been reported at 167.8 billion, while some reports have cited 137 billion and US$147 billion.

¨     The project has been linked to the active Paizhen Fault, which lies directly beneath the dam site.

¨     The Paizhen Fault has remained active since the Pleistocene (Ice Age).

¨     Ongoing seismic activity along the fault poses risks to the dam foundation and associated infrastructure.

¨     Infrastructure at risk includes roads, bridges, tunnels, and other project facilities.

¨     Geologists have stated that long-term fault movement has fractured and weakened local rock formations.

¨     The geological conditions increase the risk of earthquakes, landslides, rock collapses, and structural damage.

¨   Long-term water immersion in the reservoir area could further aggravate geological instability.

¨     The project's location in a highly seismic Himalayan region has raised concerns over its long-term safety and resilience.