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China's $167 Billion Hydropower Project Sparks Regional Tensions

7/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

China is making waves with the construction of the Motuo Hydropower Station, a colossal $167 billion project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. Set to eclipse the Three Gorges Dam, it promises a staggering 300 billion kilowatt-hours of energy each year. Yet, India and Bangladesh are raising alarms about the potential threats to water flow, local livelihoods, and the environment.

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Story summary

China is making waves with the construction of the Motuo Hydropower Station, a colossal $167 billion project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. Set to eclipse the Three Gorges Dam, it promises a staggering 300 billion kilowatt-hours of energy each year. Yet, India and Bangladesh are raising alarms about the potential threats to water flow, local livelihoods, and the environment.