Open-source information gives clues on what China’s massive dam project might look like
CNN and experts from the Stimson Center think tank created this simulation of one possible design using open-source information and technical assessments. The project is expected to include five cascade hydropower stations and a tunnel system that diverts a portion of the river, enabling it to lose some 2,000 meters of elevation over 50 kilometers and generate power via this swift elevation drop. See more on our methodology for creating this design at the end of the story.Swipe to view full map ►
10 miles
One possible system design
10 km
Dam, reservoir and power station locations are projected, except for the Mainling dam, whose location has been confirmed. There are different levels of confidence for different aspects of the design.
Direction of
natural river
Diversion tunnels
Nyingchi
Water would be diverted
from the river bend through
a tunnel system that drops
2,000 meters in elevation
TIBET
(CHINA)
DETAIL
CHINA
INDIA
Reservoir
Pei
diversion
dam
Pei
Mainling dam
Would create a reservoir to provide steady water flow downstream
Hydropower
stations
Water flow
Medog
Beibeng
Xirang dam and
reservoir
Line of actual control
(disputed by China)
Mainling
Gelling
Reservoir
The location of the final power station and the construction of a potential third dam are less clear
Hydropower
station
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
(INDIA)
One possible system design
10 miles
Dam, reservoir and power station locations are projected, except for the Mainling dam, whose location has been confirmed. There are different levels of confidence for different aspects of the design.
10 km
Direction of
natural river
Diversion tunnels
Nyingchi
Water would be diverted
from the river bend through
a tunnel system that drops
2,000 meters in elevation
TIBET
(CHINA)
DETAIL
CHINA
INDIA
Reservoir
Pei
diversion
dam
Pei
Mainling dam
Would create a reservoir to provide steady water flow downstream
Hydropower
stations
Water flow
Medog
Line of actual control
(disputed by China)
Beibeng
Xirang dam and reservoir
The location of the final power station and the construction of a potential third dam are less clear
Mainling
Gelling
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
(INDIA)
Reservoir
Hydropower
station