Dams of the World, Top 10 Largest Dams in the World
Dams of the World is your ultimate guide to the largest dams across the globe, from the iconic Kariba Dam to the mighty Krasnoyarsk Dam. Check their impact on power generation, flood control, etc.
Abhishek Kumar9 Jul, 2024
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Dams of the World: Dams of the world are structures built to control river or groundwater flow. They've been around since ancient times, initially crafted from clay or rocks. Today, they're made of concrete and other modern materials. Dams block water to create reservoirs, aiding irrigation, water supply, and energy production. From ancient origins to modern engineering, dams have shaped civilizations and landscapes worldwide.
Dams stand as colossal human creations, constructed with immense amounts of soil, concrete, rocks, and other materials to block rivers or estuaries and hold back water. They serve various purposes like storing water for drinking and farming, shielding against floods, producing hydroelectric power, and enhancing water travel and leisure activities.Top 10 Largest Dams of the World
Dams play a crucial role in harnessing water resources for various purposes. Among them, the world's largest dams stand as remarkable feats of engineering, powering economies and providing essential resources to millions. Here are the Top 10 Largest Dams of the World.Kariba Dam
The Kariba Dam, built between 1955 and 1959, stands proudly on the Zambezi River, marking the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe. As the largest dam globally, its sheer size impresses: towering 128 meters high and stretching 579 meters long. This arch dam holds an enormous reservoir, capable of storing a staggering 185 billion cubic meters of water. Italian expertise, through a consortium including Impresa Umberto Girola, Impresa Ing. Lodigiani, Impresa Italiana all’estero, and Impresa Ing. Giuseppe Torno e Co., brought the Kariba Dam to life. This monumental project harnesses the Zambezi's power, boasting two turbines that collectively generate 1,320 megawatts of electricity, benefiting both nations it borders. Located within the stunning Kariba Gorge, this engineering marvel serves dual purposes: hydroelectric power generation and flood control. Its reservoir, holding 180.6 billion cubic meters of water, ensures stability and prosperity for the region. The Kariba Dam's significance extends far beyond its imposing structure. It stands as one of Africa's largest dams, a symbol of progress and cooperation, providing vital electricity to both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Yet, concerns about its environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems persist, urging responsible management and conservation efforts. Despite these concerns, the Kariba Dam's impact remains undeniable, fueling economic development and contributing significantly to the power supply of the region. With no renaming or alternative titles, its legacy endures, a beacon of human achievement and collaboration.Bratsk Dam
Bratsk Dam, situated in Siberia, Russia, is the world's second-largest dam based on its reservoir's capacity. Completed in 1964, this massive structure serves two main purposes: generating hydroelectric power and controlling floods. It holds an impressive 160 billion cubic meters of water within its reservoir, covering an area of 5.4 square kilometers. Standing at a height of 125 meters and stretching 1.5 kilometers in length, the dam hosts both a railway and a highway. This engineering marvel plays a crucial role in Russia's energy sector, producing approximately 4,500 megawatts of electricity through its 18 turbines. Its reservoir, with a capacity of 169.27 billion cubic meters, not only contributes significantly to the country's energy supply but also supports regional economic growth. However, the construction of the Bratsk Dam has raised environmental concerns due to its impact on local ecosystems and the displacement of communities. Despite these challenges, its importance in providing a substantial portion of Russia's electricity cannot be overstated, making it a vital asset for the nation's development.Akosombo Dam
The Akosombo Dam, also known as the Volta Dam, stands as the third-largest dam globally, boasting a capacity to hold a whopping 144 billion cubic meters of water. Situated in Southern Ghana, it harnesses the power of the Volta River within the Akosombo Gorge. This hydroelectric marvel, completed in 1965 after starting construction in 1961, gave rise to Lake Volta, now recognized as the largest man-made lake worldwide by surface area. This monumental project received financial backing from the World Bank, the United States, and the United Kingdom governments. Its purpose extends beyond electricity generation to include irrigation and flood control. Lake Volta, with a reservoir capacity of 153 million cubic meters, not only facilitates power generation but also supports agriculture, thereby enhancing the region's development. However, the dam's construction raised concerns about displacing local communities and impacting ecosystems. Despite these challenges, the Akosombo Dam has become a vital source of electricity for Ghana, as well as for neighboring countries like Togo and Benin. Its significant contribution to Ghana's power supply and agricultural water needs underscores its enduring importance in the region's socio-economic landscape.Daniel Johnson Dam
Daniel-Johnson Dam, also known as Manic-5, stands proudly on the Manicouagan River in Quebec, Canada. Completed in 1968, this marvel of engineering boasts 14 buttresses and 13 arches, forming the magnificent Manicouagan Reservoir. Its towering height of 214 meters and impressive length of 1,314 meters make it one of the world's largest multiple-arch dams. This dam isn't just a sight to behold; it's a powerhouse, generating a whopping 2,660 megawatts of hydroelectric power to meet Quebec's energy needs. With a reservoir capacity of around 140 billion cubic meters, it also plays a crucial role in water management for the region. Beyond its sheer size and power, the Daniel-Johnson Dam holds significant historical and environmental importance. It symbolizes Quebec's commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources for sustainable development. However, concerns linger about its impact on local ecosystems and wildlife displacement. Despite these concerns, the dam remains a vital lifeline for Quebec, supplying a considerable portion of its electricity and regulating water flow downstream. Its renaming in honor of Premier Daniel Johnson reflects its enduring legacy and contribution to the province's growth and prosperity.Guri Dam
The Guri Dam, also called the Simon Bolivar Hydroelectric Plant or Raúl Leoni Dam, is a major structure on the Caroní River in Venezuela's Bolivar State. Built between 1963 and 1969, it's a massive 7,426 meters long and 162 meters tall. This dam creates the Guri reservoir, one of the largest in the world at 4,250 square kilometers, with a capacity of about 135 billion cubic meters. Functioning since 1986, the Guri Dam serves two main purposes: generating hydroelectric power and controlling floods. It's a powerhouse, producing about one-third of Venezuela's electricity and even exporting power to Colombia and Brazil. Apart from its size and power output, the dam is significant for Venezuela's energy needs. It's a key player in the country's electricity supply, supporting industrial growth and economic development. However, the construction of Guri Dam raised concerns about its environmental impact, particularly on local ecosystems and the displacement of indigenous communities. Despite these concerns, its contribution to providing clean, renewable energy cannot be denied.Aswan Dam
The Aswan Dam, situated on the Nile River near Aswan, Egypt, is among the world's largest embankment dams. Its construction began in 1960 and was completed in 1970, making it a significant engineering feat of its time. Once finished, it held the title of the tallest earthen dam globally. Built in response to the Free Officers movement of 1952, the dam serves multiple purposes crucial for Egypt's development. These include controlling floods, managing irrigation, and generating hydroelectric power. Its construction was pivotal for Egypt's industrialization aspirations. One notable feature of the Aswan Dam is the Gamal Abdel Nasser Lake, created by its reservoir and named after the former Egyptian president. This reservoir can hold a staggering 132 billion cubic meters of water, providing vital irrigation resources for both Sudan and Egypt. The dam's power plant generates approximately 2,100 megawatts of electricity, supplying energy to Egypt's industries and agricultural sectors, contributing significantly to the country's economy. While the Aswan Dam brings numerous benefits, it also raises concerns. The displacement of people due to reservoir creation, environmental impacts on the Nile Delta, and reduced silt deposition affecting agriculture are among the key issues.W.A.C. Bennett Dam Bennett Dam
Nestled in the serene landscape of Northern British Columbia, the W. A. C. Bennett Dam stands tall, harnessing the power of nature to fuel our modern world. Rising 186 meters above the tranquil waters of the Peace River, it's a marvel of engineering, renowned as one of the tallest earthfill dams on the planet. Construction of this iconic structure commenced in 1961, a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. By 1968, the mammoth project was completed, spanning over two kilometers in length and towering 183 meters high. Its creation gave birth to the expansive Williston Reservoir, a vast body of water nourished by the Finlay, Parsnip, and Peace rivers. This reservoir ranks as the third largest man-made lake in North America, a testament to our ability to shape the world around us. The endeavor wasn't without its costs, with an investment of $750 million poured into its construction. Yet, the returns are immeasurable. The Gordon M. Shrum generating station, nestled within the dam's embrace, churns out a staggering 13,000 GWh of electricity annually, powering homes and industries across the region. Location-wise, this marvel resides in Peace River, British Columbia, serving as a beacon of progress and sustainability. Its primary purpose is clear: hydroelectric power generation, contributing significantly to British Columbia's energy needs. Its reservoir, with a capacity of approximately 70.309 billion cubic meters, ensures a steady supply of clean and renewable energy, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental impact.Krasnoyarsk Dam
Krasnoyarsk Dam, standing tall at about 124 meters, is a massive concrete gravity dam built on the Yenisei River near Divnogorsk, Russia. Its main job is to generate a whopping 6000 Megawatts of electricity, mainly for the Krasnoyarsk Aluminium Plant. Construction kicked off in 1956 and wrapped up in 1972, making it a significant project in Russia's history. It held the title of the largest power plant until 1983, when the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington DC took over. This dam is more than just a structure; it's a symbol of power, quite literally, as it's even featured on the 10-ruble banknote! The reservoir it created, known as the Krasnoyarsk Sea, stretches across a vast 2000 square kilometers and holds a staggering 73.3 billion cubic meters of water. Besides being an electricity powerhouse, the dam serves as a barrier against floods and controls the flow of the Yenisei River. It's a vital part of Russia's energy landscape, supplying power to industries and cities in Siberia, driving economic growth in the region. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The construction of the dam had its downsides, including negative impacts on the environment and displacing local populations. Despite these concerns, the Krasnoyarsk Dam remains a crucial source of renewable energy for the region, supporting its industrial and economic development.Zeya Dam
Krasnoyarsk Dam, found in Zeya town in Amur Oblast, Russia, is a vital structure spanning the Zeya River. Constructed from 1964 to 1978, it's mainly for generating hydroelectric power and preventing floods. The dam's reservoir holds around 68.4 billion cubic meters of water. With six turbines, it generates 4.91 terawatt hours of electricity yearly, mostly from four 225-megawatt turbines and two 215-megawatt ones. Located near the Chinese border, it's also known as the Zeya Hydroelectric Power Station. Krasnoyarsk Dam is a key energy source for remote areas in the Russian Far East, aiding in their economic growth and infrastructure. However, concerns arise regarding its environmental impact, particularly on the local ecosystem and river flow patterns. Nonetheless, its renewable energy contribution is significant for the region's development and sustainability.Owen Falls Dam
Krasnoyarsk Dam, a significant hydroelectric project, was built in 1954 near Jinja, Uganda, on the Victoria Nile. It replaced the Owen Falls, a waterfall on the White Nile River. This dam, originally constructed on the advice of an English engineer during colonial rule, submerged both the Owen Falls and Ripon Falls, creating the Nalubaale hydroelectric power stations. The reservoir formed by the dam is known as Lake Victoria, boasting a massive capacity of around 2.7 billion cubic meters. It stretches 2,726 feet long and stands 102 feet high. Initially, the dam aimed to provide hydroelectric power, meeting the energy needs of Uganda and the wider region. In 1999, it was renamed Nalubaale Power Station. Despite its significance in supplying power and fostering economic development, the project raised environmental concerns and led to the displacement of communities. However, it remains crucial for Uganda's energy sector, serving both local and regional needs.Dams of the World FAQs
What are dams of the world?
Dams of the world are structures built to control the flow of rivers or groundwater. They're essential for various purposes like irrigation, water supply, and energy production.
How are dams constructed?
Dams are built using materials like concrete and rocks to block water and create reservoirs. They can be made in various shapes and sizes, depending on their purpose and location.
What do dams do?
Dams serve multiple functions, including storing water for drinking and farming, preventing floods, generating hydroelectric power, and facilitating water-based activities like transportation and recreation.
What are the largest dams in the world?
The largest dams in the world include the Kariba Dam, Bratsk Dam, Akosombo Dam, Daniel Johnson Dam, Guri Dam, Aswan Dam, W.A.C. Bennett Dam, Krasnoyarsk Dam, and Zeya Dam.
What is the purpose of the Kariba Dam?
The Kariba Dam, located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, primarily generates hydroelectric power and helps in flood control. It's one of Africa's largest dams.
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