In this article, we take a look at the 5 largest dams in the world. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the hydropower industry, go directly to the 25 Largest Dams in the World.
5. Belo Monte Dam
Hydropower generation capacity: 11,200 MW
The Belo Monte Dam is located on the Xingu River in Brazil. It produces 6.2% of Brazil’s national electricity capacity. It is the largest dam in the Amazon River basin and is deemed controversial due to its environmental impact on the Amazon forest.
4. Xiluodu Dam
Hydropower generation capacity: 13,900 MW
China’s Xiluodu Dam is constructed on Jinsha River in the mountainous region of Yunnan and generates 0.58% of country’s national electricity capacity. Apart from hydropower generation, the dam helps with floodwater regulation and silt control.
3. Itaipu Dam
Hydropower generation capacity: 14,000 MW
The Itaipu Dam is situated on the Paraná River and is jointly owned by Brazil and Paraguay. It produces 79.1% of Paraguay’s and 8.4% of Brazil’s national electricity capacity. Constructed at a gigantic cost of $27 billion (equating to $35.93 billion now), Itaipu Dam is regarded by the Guinness World Records as the single most expensive object on earth.
2. Baihetan Dam
Hydropower generation capacity: 16,000 MW
China’s Baihetan Dam is an arch dam that was constructed within a surprisingly short span of 4 years thanks to advanced construction equipment such as 3D printers and AI-controlled excavators and bulldozers. The dam is situated on the Jinsha River, which is a segment of Asia’s longest Yangtze River that has more than 50,000 dams built upon it. Baihetan Dam provides electricity to 75 million people.
1. Three Gorges Dam
Hydropower generation capacity: 22,500 MW
China’s Three Gorges Dam is a gravity dam that was built in 2006 but wasn’t fully operational until 2012 when it began generating 0.94% of the country’s national electricity. The enormous reservoir of the Three Gorges Dam holds 42 billion tons of water, and upon filling, its sheer mass slowed down the rotation of the earth by 0.06 microseconds. The dam supplies water for the world’s largest hydroelectric plant and also helps control floods during the rainy season.
Disclosure: None. You can also take a look at Top 20 Countries with Highest Electricity Consumption and 15 Most Sustainable Companies in the World.
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