Largest Dams In The World 2024:- Hydroelectric dams, whether embankment, arch, or gravity, stand among the most powerful infrastructures ever built in human history. These colossal structures serve as barriers to restrict or halt the flow of rivers or groundwater streams, creating vast reservoirs. Although the concept of dams dates back to ancient times, when they were constructed using clay or rocks, modern dams are built with concrete and other advanced building materials.
Dams are some of the most massive man-made structures, often requiring millions of tonnes of soil, concrete, rocks, and other materials to span rivers or estuaries. They fulfill a variety of essential functions, including storing water for human consumption and irrigation, providing flood control, generating hydroelectric energy, and facilitating water transport and recreational activities. Through these multifaceted roles, dams have become vital to both local communities and broader industrial efforts.
Largest Dams In The World in 2024
Main Contents
Discover the largest dams in the world in 2024, including the top 10 by capacity and length. Explore the major hydroelectric dams globally, marveling at these impressive engineering feats. Stay updated on the biggest dams with our concise information on these monumental structures.
The Three Gorges Dam is the largest dam in the world, located on the Yangtze River near Sandouping in Yiling District, Yichang. Dams play a crucial role in managing a country’s water resources. The Three Gorges Dam, with a storage capacity of 39.3 million cubic meters of water, exemplifies the sheer scale of these structures. Dams are among the most massive constructions ever undertaken by humans, serving multiple purposes, from water storage to hydroelectric power generation. This makes dam construction a priority for many nations. Here is a list of the 10 biggest dams in the world.
Largest Dams In The World Overview
Name Of The Article | Largest Dams In The World |
Largest Dams In The World | Click Here |
Year | 2024 |
Category | Trending |
List of Largest Dams in the world
SL No | Top 10 Largest Dams in the World | Location | Volume (Cubic Meters) |
1 | Three Gorges Dam | Hubei, China | 39.3 million |
2 | Itaipu Dam | Brazil/Paraguay | 12.3 million |
3 | Xiluodu Dam | Jinsha River, China | 12.67 million |
4 | Guri Dam | Bolivar State, Venezuela | 7.8 million |
5 | Tucuruí Dam | Para, Brazil | 12.7 million |
6 | Grand Coulee Dam | Washington, USA | 8.3 million |
7 | Fort Peck Dam | Montana, USA | 96 million (earthfill) |
8 | Atatürk Dam | Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey | 84.5 million |
9 | Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam | Sayanogorsk, Russia | 23.9 million |
10 | Oroville Dam | California, USA | 80 million |
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Discover the Largest Dams in the World 2024
Explore the top 10 largest dams by capacity and length, showcasing impressive engineering achievements in hydroelectric power generation. Stay updated on the biggest dams globally with concise information on these monumental structures.
1. Three Gorges Dam
Location: Yangtze River, Sandouping, Yiling District, China
Storage Capacity: 22,500 MW
Dimensions: 2,335 meters in length, 181 meters in height
Established: 2006
Purpose: Flood control, power generation, improved navigation
Notes: Despite being a prime example of engineering, the dam has faced scrutiny for its environmental and social impacts, including the displacement of over a million people and altering the river’s ecosystem.
2. Itaipu Dam
Location: Paraná River, between Brazil and Paraguay
Storage Capacity: 14,000 MW
Dimensions: 7.7 kilometers in length, 196 meters in height
Established: 1984
Purpose: Power generation
Notes: Provides 90% of Paraguay’s electricity and 20% of Brazil’s. The construction displaced many people and impacted the environment.
3. Xiluodu Dam
Location: Jinsha River, China
Storage Capacity: 13,860 MW
Dimensions: 700 meters in length, 285 meters in height
Established: 2013
Purpose: Power generation
Notes: Significant for China’s development, despite concerns about environmental and social impacts.
4. Guri Dam
Location: Caroni River, Venezuela
Storage Capacity: 10,235 MW
Dimensions: 7.4 kilometers in length, 162 meters in height
Established: 1978
Purpose: Power generation
Notes: Crucial for Venezuela’s electricity needs, despite construction delays and political challenges.
5. Tucuruí Dam
Location: Tocantins River, Brazil
Storage Capacity: 8,370 MW
Dimensions: 11 kilometers in length, 78 meters in height
Established: 1984
Purpose: Power generation
Notes: Holds 45 billion cubic meters of water.
6. Grand Coulee Dam
Location: Columbia River, Washington State, USA
Storage Capacity: 6,809 MW
Dimensions: 1.6 kilometers in length, 168 meters in height
Established: 1942
Purpose: Power generation, irrigation, flood control
Notes: A popular tourist destination due to its size and scenic views.
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7. Longtan Dam
Location: Hongshui River, Guangxi Province, China
Storage Capacity: 6,426 MW
Dimensions: 3,200 feet in length, 904 feet in height
Established: 2009
Purpose: Power generation, flood control, irrigation
Notes: Holds 30.3 billion cubic meters of water.
8. Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam
Location: Yenisei River, Russia
Storage Capacity: 6,400 MW
Dimensions: 2,743 feet in length, 810 feet in height
Established: 1985
Purpose: Power generation
Notes: Supports several industrial cities in Russia with electricity.
9. Krasnoyarsk Dam
Location: Yenisei River, Russia
Storage Capacity: 6,000 MW
Dimensions: 2,562 feet in length, 560 feet in height
Established: 1972
Purpose: Power generation
10. Robert-Bourassa Dam
Location: La Grande River, Canada
Storage Capacity: 5,616 MW
Dimensions: 2.3 kilometers in length, 162 meters in height
Established: 1981
Purpose: Power generation
Notes: Holds 61.3 billion cubic meters of water.
FAQ’S
What is the largest dam in the world?
The largest dam in the world is the Three Gorges Dam on China's Yangtze River. It has a storage capacity of 22,500 MW and spans 2,335 meters in length with a height of 181 meters.
What purposes do large dams serve?
Large dams serve multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation, flood control, water storage for irrigation and human consumption, navigation improvement, and recreational activities.
How does the Three Gorges Dam impact the environment?
The Three Gorges Dam has significant environmental impacts, including altering the Yangtze River's ecosystem, displacing over a million people, and contributing to erosion and sedimentation issues.
Which dam is the second largest in the world?
The Itaipu Dam, located on the Paraná River between Brazil and Paraguay, is the second largest dam in the world. It has a storage capacity of 14,000 MW.
How long did it take to construct the Itaipu Dam?
The construction of the Itaipu Dam began in 1975 and was completed in 1984, taking a total of 9 years to finish.
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