Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced Saturday the start of the construction of a hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.
Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the announcement while attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the project in Nyingchi City of Xizang.
State Councilor Wu Zhenglong chaired the ceremony.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the dam site of Nyingchi's Mainling hydropower station. Representatives from various organizations, including the National Development and Reform Commission and the Power Construction Corporation of China, spoke at the ceremony.
The ceremony was also attended by members of an expert advisory committee for the construction of the hydropower project, as well as representatives of local residents.
The project will consist of five cascade hydropower stations, with a total investment estimated at around 1.2 trillion yuan (about 167.8 billion U.S. dollars).
The project will primarily deliver electricity for external consumption while also addressing local demand in Xizang.
China aims to reach a carbon peak by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
The project is of great importance to reaching China's carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals and coping with global climate change.
By harnessing the abundant hydropower resources of the Yarlung Zangbo River, the project is expected to spur the development of solar and wind energy resources in the surrounding areas, thus creating a clean energy base featuring a complementary mix of hydro, wind and solar power.
A ceremony has recently been held in Beijing to inaugurate the China Yajiang Group Co., Ltd. for the smooth construction and operation of the hydropower project.
Chinese premier announces construction of Yarlung Zangbo hydropower project
Chinese premier announces construction of Yarlung Zangbo hydropower project
Chinese premier announces construction of Yarlung Zangbo hydropower project
