Largest Dams in the World: Harnessing Nature’s Power

Dams are engineering marvels that have shaped the landscape of our world. They serve a multitude of purposes, from generating electricity to providing water for agriculture and human consumption. In this article, we’ll explore some of the largest dams in the world across the globe, the rivers on which they are built, the essential roles they play in our lives, and their installed capacity.

Largest Dams in the World

Here are the Largest Dams in the World based on their installed capacity –

Name of Dam	Country	River	Purpose	Installed Capacity (MW)	Year Built
Three Gorges Dam	China	Yangtze River	Hydropower, Flood Control, Navigation	22,500	2003
Itaipu Dam	Brazil/Paraguay	Paraná River	Hydropower	14,000	1984
Belo Monte Dam	Brazil	Xingu River	Hydropower	11,233	2019
Guri Dam	Venezuela	Caroní River	Hydropower	10,235	1969
Grand Coulee Dam	USA	Columbia River	Hydropower, Irrigation	6,809	1942
Xiangjiaba Dam	China	Jinsha River	Hydropower	6,448	2012
Tucuruí Dam	Brazil	Tocantins River	Hydropower	8,370	1984
Tarbela Dam	Pakistan	Indus River	Hydropower, Irrigation	4,888	1976
Longtan Dam	China	Hongshui River	Hydropower	6,426	2009
Bratsk Dam	Russia	Angara River	Hydropower	4,500	1967
Karun-3 Dam	Iran	Karun River	Hydropower	2,000	2005
W.A.C. Bennett Dam	Canada	Peace River	Hydropower	2,912	1968
Krasnoyarsk Dam	Russia	Yenisei River	Hydropower	6,000	1972
La Grande-2-A Generating Station	Canada	La Grande River	Hydropower	2,779	1992
Nurek Dam	Tajikistan	Vakhsh River	Hydropower	3,000	1980
Atatürk Dam	Turkey	Euphrates River	Hydropower, Irrigation	2,400	1992
Bhakra Dam	India	Sutlej River	Hydropower, Irrigation	1,325	1963
Aswan High Dam	Egypt	Nile River	Hydropower, Irrigation	2,100	1970
Hoover Dam	USA	Colorado River	Hydropower, Water Supply	2,080	1936
Almendra Dam	Spain	Tormes River	Hydropower, Water Supply	2,064	1970
Oroville Dam	USA	Feather River	Hydropower, Water Supply	819	1968

1. Three Gorges Dam, China:

River: Yangtze River

Purpose: Hydropower, Flood Control, Navigation

Installed Capacity: 22,500 MW

Year Built: 2003

The Three Gorges Dam, located on the Yangtze River in China, is not just the largest dam in the world; it’s a testament to human engineering prowess. This colossal structure serves multiple purposes. It generates an astounding amount of hydropower, making it a vital source of electricity for millions. Additionally, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control, mitigating the devastating effects of seasonal floods. It has also transformed navigation on the Yangtze River, allowing large vessels to traverse through the gorges with ease.

2. Itaipu Dam, Brazil/Paraguay:

River: Paraná River

Purpose: Hydropower

Installed Capacity: 14,000 MW

Year Built: 1984

The Itaipu Dam, a joint venture between Brazil and Paraguay, stands as a symbol of international cooperation. Built on the Paraná River, it is one of the world’s largest sources of hydropower. The dam’s 20 turbines generate vast amounts of electricity, meeting a significant portion of both countries’ energy needs. Itaipu is a shining example of how harnessing the power of a river can lead to sustainable energy production on a massive scale. The list of largest dams in the world is incomplete without this.

3. Belo Monte Dam, Brazil:

River: Xingu River

Purpose: Hydropower

Installed Capacity: 11,233 MW

Year Built: 2019

The Belo Monte Dam, situated on the Xingu River in Brazil, is a relatively recent addition to the world of large dams. With 18 turbines, it has the capacity to produce substantial hydropower. The dam not only generates electricity but also brings economic development to the region. However, it has faced criticism and protests due to its environmental impact on the Xingu River and the surrounding rainforest.

4. Guri Dam, Venezuela:

River: Caroní River

Purpose: Hydropower

Installed Capacity: 10,235 MW

Year Built: 1969

Venezuela’s Guri Dam, nestled on the Caroní River, is a significant contributor to the country’s energy production. Its 10 turbines generate electricity vital to the nation’s industries and households. The dam also serves as a source of water supply for the nearby city of Ciudad Guayana. Despite its importance, Guri Dam has faced challenges related to droughts and water level fluctuations, impacting its hydropower output.

5. Grand Coulee Dam, USA:

River: Columbia River

Purpose: Hydropower, Irrigation

Installed Capacity: 6,809 MW

Year Built: 1942

The Grand Coulee Dam, one of the Largest Dams in the World, located on the Columbia River in the United States, is not only a major source of hydropower but also a critical component of the Columbia Basin Project for irrigation. This multipurpose dam has played a pivotal role in transforming the arid landscapes of the American West into fertile farmlands. It continues to be a key contributor to the region’s agricultural and electrical needs.

6. Xiangjiaba Dam, China:

River: Jinsha River

Purpose: Hydropower

Installed Capacity: 6,448 MW

Year Built: 2012

The Xiangjiaba Dam, situated on the Jinsha River in China, is a relatively recent addition to the world of hydropower. With seven turbines, it contributes significantly to China’s renewable energy production. The dam exemplifies China’s commitment to harnessing its abundant hydropower resources as part of its clean energy initiatives.

7. Tucuruí Dam, Brazil:

River: Tocantins River

Purpose: Hydropower

Installed Capacity: 8,370 MW

Year Built: 1984

The Tucuruí Dam, located on the Tocantins River in Brazil, is a vital source of hydropower for the country. Its seven turbines generate electricity that powers industries, homes, and infrastructure. The dam has also facilitated economic development in the region, providing employment opportunities and improving the local economy.

8. Tarbela Dam, Pakistan:

River: Indus River

Purpose: Hydropower, Irrigation

Installed Capacity: 4,888 MW

Year Built: 1976

The Tarbela Dam, situated on the Indus River in Pakistan, is a multipurpose dam that serves both hydropower generation and irrigation. Its six turbines produce electricity crucial for Pakistan’s energy needs, while the dam’s reservoir stores water for agricultural purposes. Tarbela Dam has significantly contributed to agricultural productivity in the region.

9. Longtan Dam, China:

River: Hongshui River

Purpose: Hydropower

Installed Capacity: 6,426 MW

Year Built: 2009

China’s Longtan Dam, located on the Hongshui River, is another remarkable hydropower project. Its four turbines generate substantial electricity, contributing to China’s growing energy demands. The dam also demonstrates China’s commitment to harnessing its rivers for clean energy production.

10. Bratsk Dam, Russia:

River: Angara River

Purpose: Hydropower

Installed Capacity: 4,500 MW

Year Built: 1967

The Bratsk Dam, situated on the Angara River in Russia, is a key contributor to the country’s hydropower capacity. Its four turbines produce electricity for industries and households in the Siberian region. The dam exemplifies Russia’s utilization of its vast water resources for energy production.

11. Karun-3 Dam, Iran:

River: Karun River

Purpose: Hydropower

Installed Capacity: 2,000 MW

Year Built: 2005

Iran’s Karun-3 Dam, located on the Karun River, is a significant source of hydropower. Its four turbines contribute to the country’s electricity generation, helping meet the energy needs of Iran’s growing population and industries.

12. W.A.C. Bennett Dam, Canada:

River: Peace River

Purpose: Hydropower

Installed Capacity: 2,912 MW

Year Built: 1968

The W.A.C. Bennett Dam, situated on the Peace River in Canada, is a notable hydropower project. Its three turbines generate electricity for the region, including British Columbia. The dam plays a vital role in Canada’s clean energy initiatives.

13. Krasnoyarsk Dam, Russia:

River: Yenisei River

Purpose: Hydropower

Installed Capacity: 6,000 MW

Year Built: 1972

Russia’s Krasnoyarsk Dam, located on the Yenisei River, is a significant contributor to the country’s hydropower capacity. Its two turbines generate electricity for various industries and communities in the Siberian region.

14. La Grande-2-A Generating Station, Canada:

River: La Grande River

Purpose: Hydropower

Installed Capacity: 2,779 MW

Year Built: 1992

Canada’s La Grande-2-A Generating Station, situated on the La Grande River, is a crucial component of Quebec’s hydropower network. Its 1.9 turbines contribute to the province’s electricity generation, supporting both residential and industrial needs.

15. Nurek Dam, Tajikistan:

River: Vakhsh River

Purpose: Hydropower

Installed Capacity: 3,000 MW

Year Built: 1980

The Nurek Dam, located on the Vakhsh River in Tajikistan, is a significant source of hydropower for the country. Its 3,000 MW of installed capacity generates electricity that plays a crucial role in meeting Tajikistan’s energy needs.

16. Atatürk Dam, Turkey:

River: Euphrates River

Purpose: Hydropower, Irrigation

Installed Capacity: 2,400 MW

Year Built: 1992

Turkey’s Atatürk Dam, situated on the Euphrates River, serves both hydropower generation and irrigation. Its 2,400 MW of installed capacity produces electricity, while the dam’s reservoir provides water for agriculture in the region.

17. Bhakra Dam, India:

River: Sutlej River

Purpose: Hydropower, Irrigation

Installed Capacity: 1,325 MW

Year Built: 1963

India’s Bhakra Dam, located on the Sutlej River, is a multipurpose dam that contributes to both hydropower generation and irrigation. Its 1,325 MW of installed capacity produces electricity, while the dam’s reservoir supports agriculture in the region, earning it the title of the “Rice Bowl of India.”

18. Aswan High Dam, Egypt:

River: Nile River

Purpose: Hydropower, Irrigation

Installed Capacity: 2,100 MW

Year Built: 1970

The Aswan High Dam, situated on the Nile River in Egypt, serves dual purposes. Its 2,100 MW of installed capacity generates electricity, while the dam’s reservoir provides water for irrigation, contributing to Egypt’s agricultural productivity.

19. Hoover Dam, USA:

River: Colorado River

Purpose: Hydropower, Water Supply

Installed Capacity: 2,080 MW

Year Built: 1936

The Hoover Dam, located on the Colorado River in the United States, is not only a source of hydropower but also a vital water supply for the southwestern United States. Its 2,080 MW of installed capacity generates electricity, and the dam’s reservoir stores water for irrigation and municipal use.

20. Almendra Dam, Spain:

River: Tormes River

Purpose: Hydropower, Water Supply

Installed Capacity: 2,064 MW

Year Built: 1970

Spain’s Almendra Dam, situated on the Tormes River, is a hydropower project that also provides a water supply for the region. Its 2,064 MW of installed capacity generates electricity, while the dam’s reservoir serves as a water source for irrigation and consumption.

21. Oroville Dam, USA:

River: Feather River

Purpose: Hydropower, Water Supply

Installed Capacity: 819 MW

Year Built: 1968

The Oroville Dam, located on the Feather River in the United States, serves both hydropower generation and water supply purposes. Its 819 MW of installed capacity generates electricity, and the dam’s reservoir stores water for agricultural and municipal use. This is one of the largest dams in the world despite being the number 21.

What is a Dam?

A dam is a man-made structure typically built across a river, stream, or other water bodies to impound water and create a reservoir. Dams serve various purposes and are designed to control the flow of water for specific needs. They are a fundamental component of water resource management and engineering. Here are the key features and functions of a dam:

Key Features of a Dam:

1. Reservoir: Dams create an artificial lake or reservoir by blocking the flow of a river or stream. This reservoir stores water for various purposes, including hydropower generation, irrigation, and water supply.
2. Spillway: Dams often have a spillway, which is an engineered channel or structure that allows excess water to flow safely downstream during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. Spillways prevent the dam from overflowing and causing floods.
3. Outlet Works: Dams have controlled outlets or pipelines that release water from the reservoir as needed. These outlets can be adjusted to regulate the flow of water for different purposes.
4. Turbines: In hydropower dams, turbines are used to convert the energy of flowing water into electricity. Water released from the reservoir flows through turbines, which spin generators to produce electrical power.

Why are Dams Important?

Dams play a crucial role in various aspects of human society and the environment, making them important for several reasons:

1. Hydropower Generation: Dams are significant sources of clean and renewable energy. They harness the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity through turbines. Hydropower is a reliable and consistent source of energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Flood Control: Dams help regulate water flow in rivers and prevent flooding during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. By storing excess water in reservoirs and releasing it gradually, dams protect downstream areas from devastating floods.
3. Water Supply: Dams store water in reservoirs, ensuring a steady supply for various purposes, including drinking water, irrigation for agriculture, industrial processes, and municipal use. They provide a consistent source of water, even during dry seasons or droughts.
4. Irrigation: Dams facilitate large-scale irrigation by releasing stored water into canals and channels. This enhances agricultural productivity, supports crop growth, and helps maintain food security.
5. Navigation: Dams often include locks and channels that make rivers navigable for ships and boats. This supports transportation, trade, and commerce by connecting inland regions to larger bodies of water.
6. Recreation and Tourism: Many dams and their reservoirs offer opportunities for recreational activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. They also attract tourists, contributing to local economies.
7. Environmental Conservation: Dams can be designed to benefit the environment. They create habitats for aquatic species and can be used for fish farming and conservation efforts. Additionally, hydropower reduces the need for fossil fuels, which can help mitigate climate change.
8. Water Quality Control: Dams can help regulate water quality by trapping sediments and contaminants in reservoirs. This can improve downstream water quality and support aquatic ecosystems.
9. Drought Mitigation: During periods of drought, dams can release stored water to maintain river flow, which is essential for ecosystems and communities that depend on the river as a water source.
10. Industrial and Mining Operations: Dams provide water for industrial processes and mining operations, supporting economic development and resource extraction.
11. Scientific Research: Reservoirs created by dams offer opportunities for scientific research, including the study of aquatic ecosystems, climate patterns, and sediment deposition.

Largest Dams in the World: Conclusion

These massive dams around the world demonstrate the incredible potential of harnessing the power of rivers for various purposes, including hydropower generation, flood control, irrigation, and water supply. While they have significantly contributed to human progress and development, they have also raised environmental and social concerns. Striking a balance between harnessing nature’s power and preserving ecosystems remains a crucial challenge as we continue to rely on these engineering marvels to meet our evolving needs.