Dams are some of the most impressive feats of engineering, providing essential services like irrigation, electricity, and flood control. But which country boasts the largest dam in the world? Let’s dive into the details and explore the top 10 biggest dams globally.
Image from medium
Table of Contents
The Biggest Dam in the World
The Three Gorges Dam in China holds the title of the world’s largest dam. Located on the Yangtze River in Hubei Province, this hydroelectric gravity dam is a marvel of modern engineering. With a height of 181 meters (594 feet) and a length of 2,335 meters (7,660 feet), it has an installed capacity of 22,500 MW, making it the largest power station in the world.
- Engineering Feat: Constructed between 1994 and 2012, the Three Gorges Dam is a testament to China’s engineering prowess. The dam’s massive structure is designed to withstand enormous water pressure, and its construction involved the use of over 27 million cubic meters of concrete. It serves multiple purposes, including flood control, electricity generation, and improving river navigation.
- Hydroelectric Power:Â The Three Gorges Dam’s most significant contribution is its ability to generate hydroelectric power. With 32 main turbines, each capable of generating 700 MW, the dam produces enough electricity to power millions of homes and businesses. This renewable energy source plays a crucial role in reducing China’s reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing carbon emissions.
- Environmental and Social Impact:Â While the Three Gorges Dam provides numerous benefits, it has also faced criticism for its environmental and social impacts. The construction of the dam led to the displacement of over 1.3 million people and the submergence of numerous towns and cultural sites. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the dam’s impact on the local ecosystem, including changes in sediment flow and potential threats to aquatic life.
- Flood Control and Navigation:Â One of the primary purposes of the Three Gorges Dam is to control flooding along the Yangtze River. By regulating water flow, the dam helps prevent devastating floods that have historically affected millions of people. Furthermore, the dam’s construction has improved river navigation, allowing larger ships to travel upstream and boosting economic activity in the region.
- Tourism: The Three Gorges Dam has also become a popular tourist destination. Visitors from around the world come to marvel at this engineering wonder, learn about its history, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding area. The dam’s visitor centers offer educational exhibits and guided tours, providing insights into the dam’s construction and operation.
The Three Gorges Dam stands as a symbol of human ingenuity and the potential of modern engineering. Despite the challenges and controversies associated with its construction, the dam’s benefits in terms of renewable energy, flood control, and improved navigation are undeniable. As the largest dam in the world, it continues to capture the imagination of people worldwide and serves as a critical infrastructure project for China.
What is the Impact on Earth's Rotation and Time of the Three Gorges Dam?
Image by Alexander Antropov from Pixabay
Â
The “Three Gorges Dam” in China, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam, has an interesting side effect: it slightly affects Earth’s rotation and the length of a day. Here’s how:
- Impact on Earth’s Rotation:Â The massive reservoir of the Three Gorges Dam holds about 40 cubic kilometers (approximately 10 trillion gallons) of water. This enormous amount of water shifts the distribution of Earth’s mass, which in turn affects the planet’s moment of inertia. According to NASA scientists, this shift can cause a very slight decrease in Earth’s rotational speed. The result is an increase in the length of a day by about 0.06 microseconds (0.00000006 seconds).
- Shift in Earth’s Axis:Â In addition to affecting Earth’s rotation, the dam’s reservoir also causes a minor shift in the planet’s axis. The redistribution of mass causes Earth’s axis to move by approximately 2 centimeters (0.8 inches).
- Minimal Impact: It’s important to note that these changes are incredibly small and not noticeable in everyday life. The increase in the length of a day and the shift in Earth’s axis are so minute that they have no practical impact on our daily activities or the planet’s overall stability.
1. Three Gorges Dam, China: The World's Largest Dam by Installed Capacity
Photo by Wang Gang/Xinhua via Getty
The “Three Gorges Dam” is the world’s largest hydroelectric gravity dam by installed capacity. Located on the Yangtze River in Hubei Province, China, this colossal structure stands at 181 meters (594 feet) tall and stretches 2,335 meters (7,660 feet) in length. The dam’s construction began in 1994 and was completed in 2012. It boasts an impressive installed capacity of 22,500 MW, making it the largest power station in the world.
- Height: 181 meters (594 feet)
- Length: 2,335 meters (7,660 feet)
- Installed Capacity: 22,500 MW
- Reservoir Capacity: 39.3 cubic kilometers (31,900 million acre-feet)
- Purpose: Flood control, power generation, and navigation improvement
The dam’s construction involved the use of over 27 million cubic meters of concrete and has significantly contributed to China’s renewable energy goals by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
2. Guri Dam, Venezuela: The Second Largest Dam by Reservoir Volume
Image by largest-dams-2 via Pinterest
The “Guri Dam”, officially known as the “Simón BolÃvar Hydroelectric Plant”, is the second largest dam in the world by reservoir volume. Located on the Caroni River in BolÃvar State, Venezuela, this concrete gravity and embankment dam was constructed between 1963 and 1986. The dam stands at 162 meters (531 feet) tall and is 7,426 meters (24,364 feet) long.
- Height: 162 meters (531 feet)
Length: 7,426 meters (24,364 feet)
Installed Capacity: 10,200 MW - Reservoir Capacity: 135 cubic kilometers (109 million acre-feet)
- Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation and flood control
The Guri Dam plays a crucial role in Venezuela’s energy infrastructure, providing approximately 50,000 GW/h of energy annually. It is one of the largest power plants in the world and has significantly reduced the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
3. Aswan Dam, Egypt: A Vital Source of Water and Electricity for Egypt
Image from Wikimedia CommonsÂ
The “Aswan High Dam”, also known as the “Aswan Dam”, is one of the world’s largest embankment dams. Located on the Nile River in Aswan, Egypt, it was constructed between 1960 and 1970. The dam stands at 111 meters (364 feet) tall and stretches 3,830 meters (12,570 feet) in length. It created the “Lake Nasser” reservoir, which has a gross capacity of 169 billion cubic meters (5.97 trillion cubic feet).
- Height: 111 meters (364 feet)
- Length: 3,830 meters (12,570 feet)
- Reservoir Capacity: 169 billion cubic meters (5.97 trillion cubic feet)
- Installed Capacity: 2,100 MW
- Annual Generation: 10,042 GWh
The Aswan Dam plays a crucial role in Egypt’s economy by providing a reliable water supply for irrigation, improving navigation along the Nile, and generating hydroelectric power. It has significantly reduced the risk of flooding and has allowed for the expansion of agricultural land. However, the dam has also had environmental impacts, such as the displacement of communities and changes in the ecosystem of the Nile River.
4. Atatürk Dam, Turkey: The Largest Dam in Turkey, Providing Significant Hydroelectric Power
Image from Wikimedia CommonsÂ
The “Atatürk Dam”, originally known as the “Karababa Dam”, is the largest dam in Turkey. Located on the Euphrates River in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, it was constructed between 1983 and 1990. The dam stands at 169 meters (554 feet) tall and is 1,819 meters (5,968 feet) long. It is part of the “Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP)”, which aims to develop the region through irrigation and hydroelectric power.
- Height: 169 meters (554 feet)
- Length: 1,819 meters (5,968 feet)
- Reservoir Capacity: 48.7 billion cubic meters (39.5 million acre-feet)
- Installed Capacity: 2,400 MW
- Annual Generation: 8,900 GWh
The Atatürk Dam provides a significant source of hydroelectric power and irrigation water for the arid regions of southeastern Turkey. It has helped to increase agricultural productivity and improve the living standards of the local population. The dam is named after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, in honor of his contributions to the country.
5. Garrison Dam, USA: Located in North Dakota, it's one of the largest earthen dams
Image from Wikimedia CommonsÂ
The Garrison Dam is an impressive earth-fill embankment dam on the Missouri River in central North Dakota, USA. Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1947 and 1953, it is the fifth-largest earthen dam in the world. The dam stands at 210 feet (64 meters) tall and stretches over 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) in length.
- Height: 210 feet (64 meters)
- Length: 2 miles (3.2 kilometers)
- Reservoir Capacity: 23.8 million acre-feet (29.4 billion cubic meters)
- Installed Capacity: 583.3 MW
- Annual Generation: 2,250 GWh
The dam impounds the “Lake Sakakawea”, which is the third-largest man-made lake in the United States. The reservoir extends 178 miles (286 kilometers) and provides a variety of benefits, including flood control, hydropower generation, irrigation, municipal and industrial water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife conservation.
Â
However, the construction of the Garrison Dam also had significant social and environmental impacts. It inundated approximately one-sixth to one-fourth of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, leading to the displacement of communities and loss of homes, farmland, and community infrastructure for the Three Affiliated Tribes.
6. Oahe Dam, USA: Situated in South Dakota, it's a key component of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program
Image source: nwo.usace.army.mil
The “Oahe Dam” is another major earthen dam on the Missouri River, located just north of Pierre, South Dakota. Construction began in 1948 and was completed in 1962. The dam stands at 245 feet (75 meters) tall and stretches 9,360 feet (2,850 meters) in length.
- Height: 245 feet (75 meters)
- Length: 9,360 feet (2,850 meters)
- Reservoir Capacity: 23.1 million acre-feet (28.5 billion cubic meters)
- Installed Capacity: 786 MW
- Annual Generation: 2,621 GWh
The dam creates the “Lake Oahe”, which is the fourth-largest man-made reservoir in the United States. The reservoir stretches 231 miles (372 kilometers) up the Missouri River and provides multiple benefits, including flood control, hydropower generation, irrigation, municipal and industrial water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife conservation.
Â
The Oahe Dam is named after the Oahe Indian Mission established among the Lakota Sioux in 1874. It is a key component of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program, which aims to manage water resources in the Missouri River basin for multiple uses.
7. Fort Peck Dam, USA: The largest dam by volume of fill in the United States
Image from Wikimedia CommonsÂ
The “Fort Peck Dam” is a monumental earth-fill dam on the Missouri River in northeastern Montana, USA. Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1933 and 1940, it is the largest hydraulically filled dam in the United States. The dam stands at 250 feet (76 meters) tall and stretches 21,026 feet (6,409 meters) in length.
- Height: 250 feet (76 meters)
- Length: 21,026 feet (6,409 meters)
- Dam Volume: 125,628,000 cubic yards (96,049,000 cubic meters)
- Reservoir Capacity: 18.5 million acre-feet (22.8 billion cubic meters)
- Installed Capacity: 185 MW
- Annual Generation: 1,048 GWh
The dam creates the “Fort Peck Lake”, which is the fifth-largest man-made lake in the United States. The reservoir extends 134 miles (216 kilometers) and provides multiple benefits, including flood control, hydropower generation, irrigation, municipal and industrial water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife conservation.
8. Tarbela Dam, Pakistan: The largest earth-filled dam in the world
Image from Wikimedia CommonsÂ
The “Tarbela Dam” is a colossal earth-fill dam on the Indus River in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Construction began in 1968 and was completed in 1976. The dam stands at 143 meters (470 feet) tall and stretches 2,743 meters (9,000 feet) in length.
- Height: 143 meters (470 feet)
- Length: 2,743 meters (9,000 feet)
- Dam Volume: 138,600,000 cubic yards (106,000,000 cubic meters)
- Reservoir Capacity: 11.6 million acre-feet (14.3 billion cubic meters)
- Installed Capacity: 4,888 MW
- Annual Generation: 17,395 GWh
The dam creates the “Tarbela Reservoir”, which is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. The reservoir covers an area of approximately 250 square kilometers (97 square miles) and provides multiple benefits, including water storage for irrigation, flood control, and the generation of hydroelectric power.
9. Nurek Dam, Tajikistan: The tallest dam in the world by height
Image from @central_asia.guide
The “Nurek Dam” is an impressive earth-fill dam on the Vakhsh River in Tajikistan. It stands at an astounding height of 984 feet (300 meters), making it the tallest dam in the world by height. Construction began in 1961 and was completed in 1980. The dam was built by the Soviet Union and remains a significant source of hydroelectric power for Tajikistan.
- Height: 984 feet (300 meters)
- Length: 2,309 feet (704 meters)
- Dam Volume: 54 million cubic meters
- Reservoir Capacity: 10.5 cubic kilometers (8.5 million acre-feet)
- Installed Capacity: 3,015 MW
- Annual Generation: 17,395 GWh
The dam creates the “Nurek Reservoir”, which is the largest reservoir in Tajikistan. The reservoir provides water for irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation. The dam’s power station has nine Francis turbine-generators, each with a capacity of 335 MW.
10. W. A. C. Bennett Dam, Canada: A major hydroelectric facility in British Columbia
Image from Wikimedia CommonsÂ
The “W. A. C. Bennett Dam” is a large earth-fill dam on the Peace River in northern British Columbia, Canada. It was constructed between 1961 and 1968 and named after the former Premier of British Columbia, W. A. C. Bennett. The dam stands at “610 feet (186 meters)” tall and is one of the world’s highest earth-fill dams.
- Height: 610 feet (186 meters)
- Length: 2,068 feet (6,785 meters)
- Dam Volume: 138 million cubic meters
- Reservoir Capacity: 74 cubic kilometers (60 million acre-feet)
- Installed Capacity: 2,907 MW
- Annual Generation: 15 TWh (54 PJ)
The dam creates the “Williston Lake”, which is the third largest artificial lake in North America. The reservoir provides water for hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and recreation. The Gordon M. Shrum Generating Station at the dam is the largest power station in British Columbia and one of the largest in Canada.
Why Dams Matter?
Dams play a crucial role in modern society by providing renewable energy, managing water resources, and preventing floods. They are essential for sustainable development and help meet the growing energy demands of the world.
Â
Â
Do you have a favorite dam from this list, or is there another dam you’re curious about?
