Three Gorges Dam
The Three Gorges Dam is a hydroelectric gravity dam on the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China, just west of Yichang.
The Three Gorges Dam is a hydroelectric gravity dam on the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China, just west of Yichang. It is one of the world’s largest hydroelectric power stations and was built for flood control, electricity generation, and improved navigation. The project was completed in stages, with the dam body finished in 2006 and the power plant becoming fully operational in 2012.
Location and design
The Three Gorges Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Yangtze River in Hubei province, located just west of Yichang. It sits in the Three Gorges area, named for the Qutang, Wu, and Xiling gorges.
Construction and completion
Work on the project began in 1994. The reservoir started filling in 2003, the dam body was completed in 2006, and the project became fully operational in 2012.
Purpose and capacity
The dam was built to control floods, generate hydroelectric power, and support navigation on the Yangtze River. Reuters reported a planned capacity of 18,200 MW at 26 turbines, while later sources describe the installed capacity as 22,500 MW.
Impacts and controversy
The project displaced large numbers of residents and submerged land and cultural sites, and it has remained controversial because of environmental and social effects. Sources also describe it as one of the most ambitious engineering projects in China.
Key facts
- The Three Gorges Dam is a hydroelectric gravity dam on the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China.
- Construction began in 1994, the dam body was completed in 2006, and full operation was reached in 2012.
- Its installed generating capacity is about 22,500 MW, making it among the world’s largest hydropower facilities.
- The project was designed for flood control, electricity generation, and improved navigation.
- It has been controversial due to displacement of residents, submerged land and cultural sites, and environmental impacts.
Canadian readers may encounter the Three Gorges Dam in discussions of global engineering, hydroelectricity, climate policy, and large-scale infrastructure impacts, especially in comparisons with Canadian dams and river management projects.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Three Gorges Dam located?
What is the dam used for?
When was it built?
How large is its power output?
Why is it controversial?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Three-Gorges-DamSupports: Location and basic description as a dam on the Yangtze River in Hubei province
- Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/article/economy/factbox-facts-about-chinas-three-gorges-dam-idUSPEK117552/Supports: Construction start, dimensions, purpose, and stated generating capacity
- TravelChinaGuide — https://www.travelchinaguide.com/river/three-gorges-dam-facts.htmSupports: Length, height, and project investment figures
- U.S. Geological Survey EROS — https://eros.usgs.gov/earthshots/three-gorges-dam-chinaSupports: Construction timeline, reservoir filling, installed capacity, and naming of the three gorges
- EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/engineering/three-gorges-dam-chinaSupports: Construction timeline and installed capacity
- Association for Asian Studies — https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/the-three-gorges-dam-energy-the-environment-and-the-new-emporers/Supports: Reservoir length, displacement, and cultural/environmental impacts