Chinese Premier Li Qiang started construction of the largest hydroelectric power plant in the history of the Xizang region. The 1.2 trillion yuan investment is intended to supply power to the entire province - and strengthen China's energy export network.
A new hydropower project that aspires to be one of the largest of its kind in the world has started construction on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River in the heart of southwestern Xizang. Premier Li Qiang inaugurated the construction during a ceremony in the city of Nyingchi, specifically at the dam of the Mainling power plant.
The project involves the construction of five cascade power plants and is expected to involve a total investment of around 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately $167.8 billion). The aim is not only to meet the growing electricity demand in the Xizang region, but more importantly to supply power to other parts of China.
Representatives from key institutions including the National Development and Reform Commission and the Power Construction Corporation of China attended the groundbreaking ceremony. Experts from the project's construction advisory committee and local residents were also present.
At the same time, an inauguration ceremony was held in Beijing for the new China Yajiang Group Co., Ltd., which will be responsible for the management and operation of the entire project. Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing attended the ceremony.
The gigantic hydroelectric power plant is seen as a key step in the development of environmentally sustainable infrastructure and as evidence of China's growing energy dominance. The project is expected to make a significant contribution to the country's energy security and boost its export capacity.
Czech 
English 
Spanish 
French 
Italian 
Russian 
Chinese 
German