Why is China building the world’s biggest dam?

China has approved the construction of what will become the world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet. Located in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo river, it could generate three times more energy than the Three Gorges Dam – also built by China - and currently the worlds’ biggest.

This Inquiry examines how important hydropower is for China’s economy, whether it will meet its climate goals and whether this new dam is a “safe project that prioritises ecological protection” as China claims. We look at how it’ll be built, and why some in neighbouring countries have concerns.

Presenter: Charmaine Cozier

Producer: Vicky Carter

Researcher: Katie Morgan

Production Co-ordinator: Liam Morrey

Technical producer: Craig Boardman

Editor: Tara McDermott

Contributors:

Brian Eyler, Director of the Energy, Water and Sustainability Programme at the Stimson Center, Washington DC

Neeraj Singh Manhas, special advisor for South Asia at the Parley Policy Initiative, South Korea & Subject Matter Expert at the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, HQ IDS, Ministry of Defence, Government of India

Prof Mark Zeitoun, Director General of the Geneva Water Hub and professor of Water Diplomacy at the Geneva Graduate Institute, Switzerland

Prof Cecilia Tortajada, Social and Environmental Sustainability at the University of Glasgow, Adjunct senior research fellow Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Singapore

Image credit: China News Service via Getty Images