Hydroelectric dams, whether embankment, arch, or gravity, are among the most awe-inspiring and powerful structures ever created by humans. These immense edifices are constructed to regulate water flow, store vast quantities of water, and often generate hydroelectric power. The largest dams in the world have changed the landscape of nations, providing essential resources like water, electricity, and even flood control. Although the history of dams dates back to ancient civilizations, modern engineering has allowed us to construct larger and more durable structures using advanced materials like concrete.
What Are Dams and Their Importance?
- Dams act as barriers, obstructing the flow of rivers or streams to create reservoirs.
- The primary functions of dams include water storage, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and flood control.
- In modern times, dams also contribute to transportation, recreation, and even tourism.
The evolution of dam-building has made it possible to create some of the most massive man-made structures in existence. These colossal dams stand not only as engineering marvels but as cornerstones of infrastructure that support both local communities and entire nations. With the world’s ever-growing demand for energy, water, and flood protection, dams have become indispensable.
Largest Dams In The World in 2024
Here’s an in-depth look at the largest dams in the world in 2024, classified based on their volume, length, and hydroelectric power generation capacity.
Top 10 Largest Dams In The World By Volume
| 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 |
Top 10 Largest Dams In The World By Volume
| Rank | Dam Name | 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 |
Top 10 Largest Dams In The World By Height
| Rank | Dam Name | Location | Height (Meters) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jinping-I Dam | China | 305 |
| 2 | Nuozhadu Dam | China | 261 |
| 3 | Xiluodu Dam | China | 285 |
| 4 | Grand Coulee Dam | USA | 168 |
| 5 | Atatürk Dam | Turkey | 169 |
| 6 | Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam | Russia | 242 |
| 7 | Oroville Dam | USA | 230 |
| 8 | Itaipu Dam | Brazil/Paraguay | 196 |
| 9 | Tucuruí Dam | Brazil | 78 |
| 10 | Fort Peck Dam | USA | 76 |
Top 10 Largest Dams In The World By Length
| Rank | Dam Name | Location | Length (Meters) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tucuruí Dam | Brazil | 11,000 |
| 2 | Grand Coulee Dam | USA | 1,600 |
| 3 | Three Gorges Dam | China | 2,335 |
| 4 | Guri Dam | Venezuela | 7,400 |
| 5 | Fort Peck Dam | USA | 8,000 |
| 6 | Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam | Russia | 2,743 |
| 7 | Oroville Dam | USA | 2,300 |
| 8 | Krasnoyarsk Dam | Russia | 2,562 |
| 9 | Longtan Dam | China | 3,200 |
| 10 | Robert-Bourassa Dam | Canada | 2,300 |
Detailed Overview of the Top 5 Largest Dams in the World 2024
Dams are impressive structures that play a crucial role in managing water resources around the globe. They can control floods, generate hydroelectric power, and store water for various needs. As of 2024, some of the largest dams in the world stand out not only for their enormous size but also for their impact on local and global scales. This overview will take you through the top 5 largest dams, showcasing their remarkable dimensions, purposes, and the significant roles they play in their respective regions. From the colossal Three Gorges Dam in China to the massive Itaipu Dam straddling Brazil and Paraguay, we’ll explore what makes these dams engineering marvels and how they contribute to modern infrastructure and energy needs.
1. Three Gorges Dam (Hubei, China)
- Location: Yangtze River, Sandouping, Yiling District, China
- Storage Capacity: 22,500 MW
- Dimensions: 2,335 meters in length, 181 meters in height
- Year Established: 2006
- Purpose: Flood control, power generation, improved navigation
- Noteworthy Information: Despite being a marvel of engineering, it has had significant environmental and social impacts, including displacing over a million people and altering the Yangtze River ecosystem.
2. Itaipu Dam (Brazil/Paraguay)
- Location: Paraná River, Brazil/Paraguay border
- Storage Capacity: 14,000 MW
- Dimensions: 7.7 kilometers in length, 196 meters in height
- Year Established: 1984
- Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation
- Noteworthy Information: Supplies 90% of Paraguay’s electricity and 20% of Brazil’s. However, it displaced thousands of people during its construction.
3. Xiluodu Dam (China)
- Location: Jinsha River, China
- Storage Capacity: 13,860 MW
- Dimensions: 700 meters in length, 285 meters in height
- Year Established: 2013
- Purpose: Power generation
- Noteworthy Information: Significant for China’s development, but concerns over its environmental and social impacts persist.
4. Guri Dam (Venezuela)
- Location: Caroni River, Bolivar State, Venezuela
- Storage Capacity: 10,235 MW
- Dimensions: 7.4 kilometers in length, 162 meters in height
- Year Established: 1978
- Purpose: Power generation
- Noteworthy Information: A crucial energy source for Venezuela, despite facing political and economic challenges.
5. Tucuruí Dam (Brazil)
- Location: Tocantins River, Para, Brazil
- Storage Capacity: 8,370 MW
- Dimensions: 11 kilometers in length, 78 meters in height
- Year Established: 1984
- Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation
- Noteworthy Information: Holds 45 billion cubic meters of water, making it one of the largest reservoirs globally.
FAQs – Largest Dams In The World
What is the largest dam in the world?
The Three Gorges Dam in China, with a capacity of 22,500 MW and a length of 2,335 meters, is the largest dam in the world.
What is the primary purpose of the largest dams?
The primary purposes include power generation, flood control, irrigation, and water storage.
How does the Three Gorges Dam impact the environment?
The dam alters the Yangtze River ecosystem, displacing over a million people and causing erosion issues.
Which is the second-largest dam in the world?
The Itaipu Dam between Brazil and Paraguay is the second-largest, with a storage capacity of 14,000 MW.
How long did it take to build Itaipu Dam?
Construction took 9 years, from 1975 to 1984.
Which dam holds the most water by volume?
Fort Peck Dam in the USA holds the largest volume, with 96 million cubic meters of earthfill material.
Which dam is the tallest in the world?
The Jinping-I Dam in China is the tallest dam in the world, standing at 305 meters (1,001 feet).
Which country has the most large dams?
China leads the world in dam construction, with over 23,000 large dams.
What are the social impacts of large dam construction?
Large dams often displace local communities, lead to loss of arable land, and can disrupt local ecosystems.
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