Water storage, generation of hydroelectric power, and flood control all depend on dams in great measure. Engineering wonders like some of the biggest dams in the world offer great advantages for millions of people. These are the top 10 largest dams worldwide according to structural volume and reservoir capacity.
Table of Contents
- Three Gorges Dam, China
- Tarbela Dam, Pakistan
- Fort Peck Dam, USA
- Atatürk Dam, Turkey
- Houtribdijk, Netherlands
- Guri Dam, Venezuela
- Oahe Dam, USA
- Gardiner Dam, Canada
- Mangla Dam, Pakistan
- Nurek Dam, Tajikistan
Top 10 biggest dams in the world
1. Three Gorges Dam, China
The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. It has a reservoir capacity of 39.3 billion cubic meters and generates an astonishing amount of electricity to support China’s growing energy needs.
2. Tarbela Dam, Pakistan
Among the biggest earth-filled dams worldwide, the Tarbela Dam stands on the Indus River. With a 13.69 billion cubic meter reservoir capacity, it is rather important for the generation of irrigation and hydroelectric power.
3. Fort Peck Dam, USA
Among the largest dams in the nation, built on Montana’s Missouri River, is the Fort Peck Dam. Its 96.05 million cubic meter capacity produces hydroelectric electricity and helps to control floods.
4. Atatürk Dam, Turkey
Comprising part of Turkey’s Southeastern Anatolia Project, the 48.7 billion cubic meter Atatürk Dam on the Euphrates River is a major hydroelectric power source with irrigation capability.
5. Houtribdijk, Netherlands
Separating the IJsselmeer from the Markermeer is the unusual Houtribdijk dam. Though not a traditional dam, in the Netherlands, water management and flood control depend critically on it.
6. Guri Dam, Venezuela
Among the biggest dams in South America, the Guri Dam stands on the Caroní River. Having a 135 billion cubic meter storage capacity, it provides hydroelectricity to most of Venezuela.
7. Oahe Dam, USA
Comprising a reservoir capacity of 29 billion cubic meters, the Oahe Dam is a major hydroelectric and flood control dam located across the Missouri River in the United States.
8. Gardiner Dam, Canada
Rising on the South Saskatchewan River, the Gardener Dam is among the biggest embankment dams worldwide. It is crucial for irrigation and water economy.
9. Mangla Dam, Pakistan
Still another important dam in Pakistan is the Mangla Dam on the Jhelum River. With a 7.39 billion cubic meter storage capacity, it provides hydroelectric, flood, and irrigation uses as well as control.
10. Nurek Dam, Tajikistan
Among the highest dams worldwide, the Nurek Dam on the Vakhsh River in Tajikistan, rising three hundred meters, it supplies hydroelectric power to the area.