China has begun construction on what will be the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, a $170 billion project aimed at boosting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

Premier Li Qiang called it a “project of the century,” emphasizing ecological protection.

The dam, consisting of five cascade stations, is expected to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours annually.

While China claims minimal environmental and downstream impact, India, Bangladesh, and NGOs warn it could harm the Tibetan ecosystem and disrupt livelihoods downstream, NBC News has reported.

The dam also supports China’s carbon neutrality goals and economic development in Tibet.

Written by B.C. Begley