A dam is a structure built across a body of water like a river, stream, or lake Its purpose is to control the flow of water and prevent flooding. It can also be used to create reservoirs for power generation and other uses.
Dams have been used for centuries to control water and have been a key part of infrastructure development in various regions. Today, they are still an important part of society, providing water for drinking, irrigation, and energy generation.
The five best examples of modern dams are:
1. Three Gorges Dam: Located in Hubei, China, the Three Gorges Dam is the world’s largest hydroelectric power project. The dam is 2,309m long and stands at a height of 185m. It creates a reservoir that is able to generate 22.5 gigawatts of power.
2. Hoover Dam: Located on the border between Nevada and Arizona, the Hoover Dam is one of the most recognizable dams in the world. It stands 221m tall and creates a reservoir of 221km2 and is able to generate 4.2 gigawatts of power.
3. Krasnoyarsk Dam: Located in Siberia, Russia, the Krasnoyarsk Dam is the world’s largest reservoir dam. It stands at a height of 129m and creates a reservoir of 569km2. The dam is able to generate 7.5 gigawatts of power.
4. Daniel Johnson Dam: Located in Quebec, Canada, the Daniel Johnson Dam is the largest hydroelectric power project in North America. It stands at a height of 183m and creates a reservoir of 837km2, able to generate 4.5 gigawatts of power.
5. Grand Coulee Dam: Located in Washington, USA, Grand Coulee Dam is the largest hydropower generating dam in the United States. The dam stands at a height of 122m and creates a reservoir of 8.8km2, able to generate 6.8 gigawatts of power.
These five examples showcase the best of today’s modern dams and the vast potential they have to provide water, flood protection and energy generation. They prove that dams can provide sustainable developments, whether it’s creating clean energy or providing sources of drinking water.