China has officially launched construction of what will become the world's largest hydropower dam, located in Tibet on the Yarlung Zangbo River, according to state media outlet Xinhua.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang described the $170 billion project as a "project of the century" and emphasized the importance of ecological conservation during its development. The dam, consisting of five cascading hydropower stations, is expected to generate an estimated 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually--three times the output of the Three Gorges Dam, currently the world's largest power station.

The hydropower initiative is part of China's broader strategy to increase renewable energy capacity and meet its carbon neutrality goals. It is also projected to boost regional economic activity in Tibet through infrastructure investment and job creation.

The Yarlung Zangbo River flows into India and Bangladesh as the Brahmaputra, raising concerns over potential disruptions to downstream water flow. While Chinese authorities maintain the project will not significantly affect water availability or local ecosystems, critics including the International Campaign for Tibet warn of irreversible environmental impacts and risks to millions of people reliant on the river further south.

India and Bangladesh have both expressed apprehension about the long-term implications of the dam.

The project site, located in a region of extreme elevation change--over 6,500 feet within 31 miles--offers exceptional hydropower potential.

Source: nbcnews.com