What Is the Most Powerful Hydroelectric Project in the World?

The most powerful hydroelectric project in the world is the Three Gorges Dam in China. It is comprised of 32 hydropower generators and can generate up to 22.5 gigawatts. The Three Gorges Damn is located in Hubei Province on the Yangtze River, and it provides more than 10% of China’s hydropower. The dam was constructed from 1994 to 2008, with its main purposes being for flood control. It has created concern about its environmental impact, however, because its 350-mile (600-km) long reservoir has submerged cities, villages and ancient landmarks. There also are concerns that the reservoir will collect pollutants from nearby factories.

More about Three Gorges Dam:

• The Three Gorges Dam is so large that it can be spotted from outer space.


• More than 1.2 million people were forced to be relocated as a result of the construction of the Three Gorges Dam.


• The cost for construction of the Three Gorges Dam is estimated to have been about $28 billion US Dollars, making it one of the most expensive hydroelectric projects ever.