According to the "First Summit Forum for Hydroenergy Resources Development and Protection on Tibetan Plateau", the technical available hydroenergy resources in Tibet exceed 170 million kilowatts, ranking the first in China. In 2015, the third hydroenergy resources survey (Review) in Tibet Autonomous Region was completed. The results show that the total number of rivers with a drainage area of over 100 square kilometers in Tibet is 3,361. In addtion, the theoretical hydroenergy resources deposit in the region is 10 megawatts or more, and the number of rivers reaches 375.

According to the relevant departments, the hydroenergy resources in Tibet are divided into three zones, namely exploitation-prohibited zone, controlling development zone and key development zone.

By the end of 2015, installed power-generating capacity and generating capacity increase 136% and 75% respectively. According to Qian Gangliang, deputy chief engineer of Hydraulic and Hydro-Power Planning and Design Institute, technologies and management system for environmental protection as well as soil and water conservation of large hydropower station construction project have been formed, realizing the harmonious development between hydropower construction and ecological environment.