Dams don’t just generate hydroelectric energy; they have the power to reshape the entire energy balance of entire regions. This is the future of the Rogun Dam, currently under construction in Tajikistan. Standing at 335 meters, it is set to become the tallest dam in the world.
As Rogun prepares to break height records, let’s explore other remarkable water dams around the world that stand out for their extraordinary engineering feats.
Kariba Hydroelectric Power Plant, Zambesi River: The Largest Reservoir by Volume
Located in a gorge of the Zambezi River, on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the Kariba hydroelectric power plant is a double-curvature structure. Measuring 128 meters in height and 620 meters in length, it holds an artificial water reservoir stretching 300 km in length and up to 30 km in width, making it the world’s largest reservoir by volume.
The dam was completed in June 1959, while the entire plant became operational on January 1, 1960. An interesting fact: a few months later, on May 17, the Queen Mother of England officially inaugurated the massive complex—at the time, both Zambia and Zimbabwe were still British colonies.
Grand Dixence Dam, Switzerland: The World’s Tallest Gravity Dam
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, the Grand Dixence Dam in Switzerland rises to 285 meters, earning the title of the world’s tallest gravity dam. With a capacity of 400 million cubic meters, this hydroelectric dam powers four hydroelectric plants, supplying nearly 20% of Switzerland’s stored hydroelectric energy.
Ertan Hydroelectric Power Plant, Yalong River, China
The Ertan Hydroelectric Power Plant is part of a series of dams built along the Yalong River, a tributary of the Yangtze. Featuring a double-curvature parabolic arch design, the dam stands 240 meters tall and spans 775 meters.
When construction began in 1991, Ertan ranked among the three tallest dams in the world in its category. Its colossal dimensions required an equally massive construction site and an extraordinary building pace.
With a total installed capacity of 3,300 MW, it plays a crucial role in China’s hydroelectric energy production.
Tarbela Hydroelectric Power Plant, Pakistan
Located in northwestern Pakistan, the Tarbela Hydroelectric Power Plant was designed for both hydroelectric energy production and irrigation. The Tarbela Dam created a water reservoir with an active storage capacity of 11 billion cubic meters, making it the world’s largest fill dam at the time of its construction.
Since the early 21st century, the plant has generated over 23% of the hydroelectric energy produced by the West Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority.
Yacyretá Hydroelectric Power Plant, Argentina-Paraguay
Stretching nearly 70 km along the Paraná River—the second longest in South America—the Yacyretá Dam sits on the border between Argentina-Paraguay. As one of the world’s longest dams of its kind, its water reservoir spans 1,600 km² and generates approximately 60% of Argentina’s hydroelectric power.
Built between the 1980s and 1990s, the Yacyretá Dam significantly contributed to job creation in the surrounding area, employing around 12,000 people.
Three Gorges Dam, China: The Biggest Dam In The World
Located on the Yangtze River in Hubei Province, China, the Three Gorges Dam is the biggest dam in the world and the largest hydroelectric power plant. Standing 181 meters tall and stretching 2,335 meters in length, it creates a vast water reservoir covering 1,084 square kilometers, with a total capacity of 39.3 billion cubic meters.
Equipped with 34 generators, the dam boasts an unprecedented installed capacity of 22,500 MW, making it one of the most powerful energy production facilities in the world.
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Blue Nile, Ethiopia
Currently under construction 700 km northwest of Addis Ababa on the Blue Nile, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will become Africa’s largest dam once completed. Measuring 1,800 meters in length and 175 meters in height, it will have a total volume of 10.4 million cubic meters and create a vast water reservoir spanning 1,875 square kilometers.
The project includes the construction of two hydroelectric power plants, one on each side of the river, with a total installed capacity of 5,150 MW and an estimated annual production of 15,700 GWh, marking a significant milestone for the region’s water energy technology.
