by The way China progresses in every field, in the same way, it is ahead in the matter of dams as well. Yes, the world’s largest dam is in China built on the Yangtze River and its name is the Three Gorges Dam. Since 2006, it has been recognized as the largest dam in the world. It is the largest dam due to its height, width, and capacity. This dam is so large that it slows the Earth’s rotation by 0.6 microseconds.
During the construction of this dam, China’s government faced many challenges, and the biggest one was the relocation of people. Many were against the dam but they were still relocated including many villages and towns. It is said that about 1.3 million people were relocated at that time.
The dam is about 607 feet (185 meters) high and 7,660 feet (2,335 meters) long. The most remarkable thing is that this dam can store 39.3 billion cubic meters of water. And at full capacity, the reservoir has a surface water area of over 417 square miles (1,080 square kilometers). It generates approximately 100 TWh (terawatt-hours) of electricity annually. This electricity is distributed to China’s eastern and central regions, where industrial and urban areas are more concentrated. It is said that the dam meets about 3% of China’s electricity needs.
The best feature of this dam is that it can control flooding of the Yangtze River, which used to cause a lot of damage in the past.
What was the purpose of building this dam?
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Hydroelectric Power Generation – As China developed, there was a growing need for electricity. To meet this demand, they built the dam, and according to calculations, the dam can generate 8.33 TWh/month of electricity.
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Flood Control – Previously, the Yangtze River experienced frequent flooding, which caused extensive damage to people and property.
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Development – The dam has improved water supply to nearby industries and villages, resulting in development and increased productivity.
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Technology – This project is also an engineering marvel, showcasing China’s technology and construction capabilities. It also increased China’s global stature and influence.
Hence, because of all this Three Gorges Dam is the world’s biggest dam.
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