Big Take China Bets Big on a $167 Billion Tibetan Dam
7 snips
Jul 29, 2025 In a captivating discussion, Dan Murtaugh, Bloomberg's energy reporter based in Beijing, tackles China's ambitious $167 billion hydropower project in Tibet. He explores the groundbreaking scale of this mega dam, its potential to boost the economy, and the significant environmental and geopolitical concerns it raises. Murtaugh highlights the challenges, including international tensions with India over water resources and the impact on local ecosystems. This project offers a glimpse into China's strategic infrastructure plans and its implications for global energy dynamics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Yarlung Sangpo Dam's Massive Scale
- China's new Yarlung Sangpo Dam will be the largest hydroelectric power plant globally, three times bigger than the current largest.
- It can generate 70 gigawatts, enough electricity to power the United Kingdom and significantly aid China's clean energy goals.
Hydropower's Dispatchable Advantage
- Hydropower offers dispatchable clean energy, unlike wind and solar which depend on weather conditions.
- This makes it crucial for China to balance renewable generation and reduce reliance on coal plants.
High Costs of Mega Dam Construction
- The Yarlung-Sangpo Dam's construction cost will be $167 billion, making it one of the most expensive infrastructure projects ever.
- Its electricity cost per megawatt will be much higher than wind or solar, reflecting the massive scale and challenges.