Currently, the largest dam construction on Earth, the dam will measure 2 kilometers/1.2 miles in length and 180 meters/600 feet in height when finished. The dam will have 26 generators that, once in operation, will generate enough clean energy to reduce China’s reliance on highly polluting coal by up to 50 million tons annually. As the water level along the area has risen significantly, towns people have relocated to new villages.

Quick Facts

The original idea for a dam in the Three Gorges region was put forward by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the first President of the Republic of China in 1919.

a. The Three Gorges Dam Project was begun in 1993 and is the world’s largest dam construction project – it will be 5 times the size of the Hoover Dam.

b. There are 26 hydro generators each producing 700 MW of electricity for an annual total of 85 billion kilowatt hours-this represents 3088% of China’s current electricity needs.

c. The output of electricity generated by the dam is as much as the total generated by 18 nuclear power plants combined.

d. Official cost estimates put the project at US$25 billion but it is believed that the final cost will reach US$100 billion the single most expensive construction project in history.