Construction on the dam began in 2011 and its hydropower station was originally expected to be operational in 2018.

[1][2] On 13 November 2013, the river was successfully diverted around the construction site.

[3] The complex is located at an elevation of over 3,000 m AMSL, and its construction presented extreme challenges due to the high altitude, cold climate and lower oxygen level, which delayed its completion.

Located in a nature reserve, the construction of the hydropower station required measures aimed to mitigate its impact on local wildlife, including fish lifts that help fish migrate upstream.

Maerdang hydropower station is expected to generate an average of over 7.3 TW of electricity each year.