List of conventional hydroelectric power stations

This is a list of conventional hydroelectric power stations.

This list includes power stations that are larger than 1,000 megawatts (1.3×10^⁶ hp) in maximum net capacity, and are operational or under construction. Those power stations that are smaller than 1,000 MW, or those that are only at a planning/proposal stage may be found in regional lists, listed at the end of the page.

The largest hydroelectric power station is the Three Gorges Dam in China, rated at 22.5 gigawatts (30.2×10^⁶ hp) in total installed capacity. After passing on 7 December 2007 the 14-gigawatt (19×10^⁶ hp) mark of the Itaipu Dam, the facility was ranked as the largest power-generating facility ever built. The dam is 181 metres (594 ft) high, 2,335 metres (7,661 ft) long and 115 metres (377 ft) in width. Power is generated by 32 turbines rated at 700 MW (940,000 hp), and two turbines rated 50 MW (67,000 hp), which are used to power the facility itself. Construction of this dam commenced in 1994, and was completed in 2012, nearly two decades after it started.

The next six largest dams, after the Three Gorges Dam, with capacity of more than 10 gigawatts (13×10^⁶ hp) are:

1. Baihetan Dam – 16 gigawatts (21×10^⁶ hp)
2. Itaipu Dam – 14 gigawatts (19×10^⁶ hp)
3. Xiluodu Dam – 13.86 gigawatts (18.59×10^⁶ hp)
4. Belo Monte Dam – 11.233 gigawatts (15.064×10^⁶ hp)
5. Guri Dam – 10.235 gigawatts (13.725×10^⁶ hp)
6. Wudongde Dam – 10.2 gigawatts (13.7×10^⁶ hp)

The Jebel Ali Power Plant, at 8.695 gigawatts (11.660×10^⁶ hp), is the largest non-renewable energy-generating facility in the world. The planned Grand Inga Dam, if completed, with capacity of 40 to 70 gigawatts (54×10^⁶ to 94×10^⁶ hp), is estimated to be nearly twice the size of the Three Gorges Dam.