Deadly Earthquake in Tibet Highlights Risks of Hydropower Projects

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A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Tibet, resulting in at least 126 fatalities and significant damage to four water reservoirs. The quake underscores the risks associated with a hydropower expansion in an earthquake-prone region, where 68 major dams already operate and another 101 are in the planning or construction stages.

Experts had previously raised concerns regarding the seismic stability of these hydropower projects, especially with China moving forward on the construction of the world's largest hydropower dam which is aimed at enhancing energy production. Following the recent earthquake, some critics emphasized the environmental and safety risks of such extensive water infrastructure in this remote and geologically active area.

Geologists warn that the weight of large reservoirs can exacerbate seismic vulnerabilities, pointing to past disasters including a devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015 that drastically impacted hydropower capacity. Meanwhile, China's water resources ministry has expressed apprehensions regarding the aging infrastructure of over 80% of their reservoirs, built between the 1950s and 1970s.

As the demand for clean energy rises, the balancing act between expanding hydropower capabilities and ensuring safety in seismically active regions remains a pressing concern.

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