In August, China started building the Motuo Hydropower Station in Tibet, which it asserts will be the world's biggest hydropower project. This ambitious undertaking, with a projected cost of $170 billion and an expected annual electricity output of 300 billion kilowatt-hours, has raised alarms throughout South Asia about its geopolitical implications.
The Institute for Energy Research (IER) outlines that the Motuo project will feature five cascade hydropower stations along the lower Yarlung Zangbo River, which is known as the Brahmaputra River upon entering India and subsequently Bangladesh. This development provides China with direct oversight of a crucial transboundary river, likened to a geopolitical asset that allows for potential manipulation of water flows, thus impacting countries downstream like India.
Concerns have been raised by a report from the Lowy Institute, which highlights that China's control over these waterways could significantly hinder India's economy. Experts are worried about the possible creation of a "water bomb," where Beijing might either restrict water availability during dry periods or unleash floods on regions in northeastern India like Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Local indigenous communities, such as the Adi tribe, depend on the Siang River, a major tributary, and face severe disruptions to their livelihood.
The ecological integrity of the area, one of the most biodiverse regions in the Himalayas, is at risk of serious harm. Both India and Bangladesh have formally expressed their worries, prompting India to consider building a buffer dam on the Siang River to counteract possible abrupt releases of water from the Chinese dams.
For China, this megaproject is not solely about generating electricity; it aligns with broader objectives to industrialize Tibet and convey energy to eastern urban centers. However, critics contend that this initiative disguises exploitation under the guise of development. Last year, numerous Tibetan activists opposed another hydropower project and faced retaliation through arrests and beatings.
Despite commitments to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2060, the Motuo Dam appears less of a clean energy solution and more of a tactic for strategic advantage for China. As glacial melting influences the river's flow, the project may face challenges with energy consistency. Nevertheless, China continues to pursue this initiative, prioritizing its geopolitical objectives over environmental concerns. The IER warns that the Motuo project highlights China's willingness to manipulate water resources, posing significant risks to regional stability, ecological health, and human rights.
5 Comments
Donatello
Calling it a clean energy project is ironic when it's rooted in exploiting vulnerable communities. Shame on China!
Raphael
The plight of the Adi tribe and other local communities is heartbreaking. They deserve a voice, not just pawns in a grand project!
Leonardo
The risks of a 'water bomb' are too great. India must prepare for the worst as China continues its aggressive tactics.
Michelangelo
The environment will pay the price for this hydropower station. We must not sacrifice biodiversity for energy!
Raphael
If China can showcase successful management of this project, it could set a precedent for hydropower worldwide.