10 Biggest Hydro Dams Around the World
(Tuesday, October 22, 2024)
Hydroelectric dams are among the largest sources of renewable energy in the world. They generate electricity by harnessing the power of flowing water. Over the years, some massive dams have been built, standing as marvels of engineering. These structures not only generate electricity but also provide water for irrigation, flood control, and more. Below are the ten biggest hydroelectric dams based on their installed capacity.
1. Three Gorges Dam (China)
The Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Located on the Yangtze River in China, it has an installed capacity of 22,500 megawatts (MW). This dam helps control floods and provides power to millions of homes. It took almost 17 years to build, with construction completed in 2012. The dam also creates a reservoir stretching over 600 kilometers.
2. Itaipu Dam (Brazil/Paraguay)
The Itaipu Dam is located on the border between Brazil and Paraguay. It has a capacity of 14,000 MW and provides nearly 75% of Paraguay’s electricity. Built on the Paraná River, the dam is about 7.2 kilometers long and has generated more power than any other dam in the world since its opening in 1984. It remains a key power source for both countries.
3. Xiluodu Dam (China)
Another massive dam in China, the Xiluodu Dam, is situated on the Jinsha River, a tributary of the Yangtze. It has a capacity of 13,860 MW, making it the third-largest in the world. Completed in 2013, this dam is part of China’s extensive hydropower development strategy to meet growing energy needs.
The Itaipu Dam (Usina Hidrelétrica de Itaipu – Itaipu Binacional) is a hydroelectric dam on the Paraná River (Rio Paraná) located on the border between Brazil and Paraguay.
4. Belo Monte Dam (Brazil)
The Belo Monte Dam is located on the Xingu River in northern Brazil. With a capacity of 11,233 MW, it is the largest in Brazil and the fourth-largest in the world. The dam has been controversial due to environmental concerns, but it now generates significant amounts of electricity, helping Brazil’s growing economy.
5. Guri Dam (Venezuela)
The Guri Dam, also known as the Simón Bolívar Hydroelectric Plant, is located on the Caroní River in Venezuela. It has an installed capacity of 10,235 MW. Built between 1963 and 1978, the dam is crucial for providing electricity to Venezuela. The dam’s reservoir is also one of the largest in the world, covering around 4,250 square kilometers.
6. Tucuruí Dam (Brazil)
The Tucuruí Dam, located on the Tocantins River in Brazil, has a capacity of 8,370 MW. It was one of the first large dams built in the Amazon rainforest and provides electricity for much of Brazil’s northern regions. The dam has also facilitated navigation along the Tocantins River, which benefits local industries.
7. Grand Coulee Dam (USA)
The Grand Coulee Dam in the United States is the largest in North America, with an installed capacity of 6,809 MW. Built on the Columbia River in Washington State, it provides power to several western U.S. states. The dam also plays a critical role in irrigation, supplying water to over 2 million acres of farmland.
8. Xiangjiaba Dam (China)
Another major Chinese dam, the Xiangjiaba Dam is located on the Jinsha River and has a capacity of 6,448 MW. It began full operation in 2015 and provides electricity to China’s growing population. The dam is also part of China’s efforts to reduce reliance on coal and increase clean energy production.
9. Longtan Dam (China)
The Longtan Dam is situated on the Hongshui River in China, with an installed capacity of 6,426 MW. Completed in 2007, this dam helps in controlling floods and generating hydropower for China’s southern regions. The dam’s height of 216 meters makes it one of the tallest in the world.
10. Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam (Russia)
The Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam is the largest in Russia, with a capacity of 6,400 MW. Located on the Yenisei River in Siberia, the dam was completed in 1985. In 2009, a tragic accident damaged part of the plant, but it was fully restored by 2014. The dam remains a key power source for Russia’s industries and communities.
Source:-Team freesabmilega.com
