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The Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. Located on the Yangtze River in China, it is a significant feat of engineering and energy production. The dam has numerous interesting facts that highlight its scale and impact.
Basic Facts About the Dam
The dam stretches approximately 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles) across the Yangtze River. It stands about 185 meters (607 feet) tall and has a length of 2,335 meters (7,660 feet). The reservoir created by the dam can hold up to 39.3 billion cubic meters of water.
Power Generation Capacity
The Three Gorges Dam has a total installed capacity of 22,500 megawatts (MW). It consists of 34 main turbines, each capable of generating 700 MW. This capacity makes it a vital source of renewable energy for China, supplying electricity to millions of homes and industries.
Environmental and Social Impact
The construction of the dam led to the relocation of over 1.3 million people. It also submerged numerous cultural sites and natural habitats. The dam has helped reduce flooding risks and greenhouse gas emissions but has also raised concerns about ecological changes in the Yangtze River basin.
Additional Facts
- The dam took about 17 years to build, from 1994 to 2011.
- It has a spillway capable of releasing 116,000 cubic meters of water per second.
- The project cost approximately $30 billion USD.
- The dam includes a ship lift capable of raising ships up to 3,000 tons.