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List of conventional hydroelectric power stations

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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.

Overview

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.

The Three Gorges Dam in Hubei, China, has the world's largest instantaneous generating capacity at 22,500 MW of power. In second place is the Baihetan Dam, also in China, with a capacity of 16,000 MW. The Itaipu Dam in Paraguay and Brazil is the third largest with 14,000 MW of power. Despite the large difference in installed capacity between Three Gorges Dam and Itaipu Dam, they generate nearly equal amounts of electrical energy during the course of an entire year – Itaipu 103 terawatt-hours (370 PJ) in 2016[1] and Three Gorges 111.8 TWh (402 PJ) in 2020,[2] because the Three Gorges experiences six months per year when there is very little water available to generate power, while the Paraná River continuously feeds the Itaipu with an ample supply of water year-round.

Energy output of the Three Gorges reaches 125 TWh (450 PJ) in years of high feed availability. The Three Gorges (22,500 MW - 32 × 700 MW and 2 × 50 MW) is operated jointly with the much smaller Gezhouba Dam (2,715 MW). The total generating capacity of this two-dam complex is 25,215 MW. The Itaipu on the Brazil–Paraguay border has 20 generator units with overall 14,000 MW of installed capacity. However, the maximum number of generating units allowed to operate simultaneously cannot exceed 18 (12,600 MW).

The Jinsha River (the upper stream of Yangtze River) complex is the largest hydroelectric generating system currently under construction. It has three phases. Phase one includes four dams on the downstream of the Jinsha River. They are Wudongde Dam, Baihetan Dam, Xiluodu Dam, and Xiangjiaba Dam, with generating capacity of 10,200 MW, 16,000 MW, 13,860 MW, and 7,798 MW respectively. Phase two includes eight dams on the middle stream of the Jinsha River. The total generating capacity is 21,150 MW. Phase three includes eight dams on the upper stream of the Jinsha River. The total generating capacity is 8,980 MW. The total combined capacity of the Jinsha complex with the Three Gorges complex will be 103,203 MW.

As of 2025, plans exist in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the construction of a hydroelectric power station set to overtake the Three Gorges,[3] with an installed capacity of 39,000 MW.[4][5] The Project is called Grand Inga and is planned to be realised on the lower Congo River.[6] As of 2014, China is working on a 50,000 MW[7] dam as part of the Yarlung Tsangpo Hydroelectric and Water Diversion Project. Another proposal, Penzhin Tidal Power Plant [fr; ru], presumes an installed capacity up to 87,100 MW.

The largest hydroelectric power stations top the list of the largest power stations of any kind, are among the largest hydraulic structures and are some of the largest artificial structures in the world.

Hydroelectric power stations

The following two lists rank the largest conventional hydroelectric power stations that have an installed electric power generation capacity of at least 1,000 MW.

More information Station, Image ...
Station Image Country Location River Installed capacity Annual production[note 1] Area flooded Reservoir volume[8] Years of completion Ref
Adam Beck Hydroelectric Generating Stations Canada 43°08′51″N 79°02′42″W 1,962 megawatts (2,631,000 hp) [9]
Ahai Dam China 27°19′59″N 100°30′27″E 2,000 megawatts (2,700,000 hp) [10]
Akosombo Dam Aerial view of a large rock structure located in a forest between the mountains, large pipes and a cloudy sky Ghana 06°17′59″N 00°03′34″E 1,020 megawatts (1,370,000 hp) [11][12]
Alberto Lleras Dam Colombia 04°43′29″N 73°28′59″W 1,150 megawatts (1,540,000 hp) [13]
Aldeadávila Dam
  • Portugal
  • Spain
 41°12′42″N 6°41′08″W 1,139.2 megawatts (1,527,700 hp) [14]
Alicurá Dam Argentina 40°35′10″S 70°45′09″W 1,050 megawatts (1,410,000 hp) [15][16]
Aswan High Dam Image of Aswan High Dam, looking east, with powerhouse in background Egypt 23°58′14″N 32°52′40″E 2,100 megawatts (2,800,000 hp) [17]
Atatürk Dam Aerial view of a large structure located between mountains and a large lake Turkey 37°28′54″N 38°19′03″E 2,400 megawatts (3,200,000 hp) [18]
Baihetan Dam China 28°15′06″N 103°39′34″E Jinsha 16,000 megawatts (21,000,000 hp) 60.24 TWh (216.9 PJ) 20.62 km3[19][20] 2022[21] [22][23]
Baishan Dam China 42°43′35″N 127°13′25″E 1,800 megawatts (2,400,000 hp) [24][25]
Bakun Hydroelectric Power Station Image of a large rock structure and a power transformation station in the left, a rocky mountain, a river and another concrete structure in the right Malaysia 02°45′23″N 114°03′47″E 2,520 megawatts (3,380,000 hp) [26]
Bath County PSP United States 38°12′32″N 79°48′00″W 3,003 MW[27] 3.32 TWh (12.0 PJ) 3.3 km2 0.030 km3 1985, 2005/2009
Beauharnois Hydroelectric Power Station Canada 45°18′50″N 73°54′32″W 1,903 megawatts (2,552,000 hp) [28][29]
Belo Monte Dam Brazil 3°7′40″S 51°46′33″W Xingu 11,223 megawatts (15,050,000 hp)
11,233 MW[30]		 39.5 TWh (142 PJ) 441 km2 1.89 km3 2016/2019 [31]
Bento Munhoz Hydroelectric Plant Brazil 26°00′34″S 51°40′00″W 1,674 megawatts (2,245,000 hp) [32]
Bersimis-1 generating station Canada 49°18′31″N 69°33′50″W 1,178 megawatts (1,580,000 hp) [33]
Bhakra Dam Image of a large structure located between two mountains with power lines, a jungle, a house and a green river India 31°24′39″N 76°26′00″E 1,325 megawatts (1,777,000 hp) [34]
Bieudron Hydroelectric Power Station Switzerland 46°11′7″N 7°14′58″E 1,269 megawatts (1,702,000 hp) [35]
Boguchany Hydroelectric Power Station Russia 58°41′41″N 99°08′56″E 2,997 megawatts (4,019,000 hp) [36]
Bonneville Dam United States 45°38′39″N 121°56′26″W 1,242 megawatts (1,666,000 hp) [37][38]
Boundary Dam United States 48°59′14″N 117°20′51″W 1,003.25 megawatts (1,345,380 hp) [39][40]
Bratsk Dam Image of a large concrete structure that looks kind of old and unused with a pier and some structures on it and alongside it Russia 56°17′10″N 101°47′10″E Angara 4,500 megawatts (6,000,000 hp)
4,515 MW		 22.6 TWh (81 PJ) 5,470 km2 169.27 km3 1961/1966 [41]
Bureya Dam Russia 50°16′07″N 130°18′54″E 2,010 megawatts (2,700,000 hp) [42][43]
Cahora Bassa Dam Mozambique 15°35′07″S 32°42′17″E 2,075 megawatts (2,783,000 hp) [44][45]
Caruachi Dam Image of a wall like structure in left, a raging river in the right and power lines located on low hills Venezuela 08°09′36″N 62°47′55″W 2,160 megawatts (2,900,000 hp) [46]
Cheboksary Hydroelectric Station Russia 56°08′17″N 47°27′56″E 1,374 megawatts (1,843,000 hp) [47]
Chicoasén Dam Mexico 16°56′30″N 93°06′02″W 2,430 megawatts (3,260,000 hp) [48]
Chief Joseph Dam United States 47°59′43″N 119°38′00″W 2,620 megawatts (3,510,000 hp) [citation needed]
Chirkey Dam Russia 42°58′38″N 46°52′15″E 1,000 megawatts (1,300,000 hp) [49]
Chivor Hydroelectric Project Colombia 04°54′03″N 73°17′49″W 1,000 megawatts (1,300,000 hp) [50]
Churchill Falls Canada 53°31′46″N 63°58′05″W Churchill 5,428 megawatts (7,279,000 hp)[51] 35 TWh (130 PJ) 6,988 km2 32.64 km3 1971/1974 [52]
Cirata Dam Indonesia 6°42′02″S 107°22′01″E 1,008 megawatts (1,352,000 hp) [53]
Coca Codo Sinclair Ecuador 00°07′52″S 77°27′07″W 1,500 megawatts (2,000,000 hp) [54]
Dachaoshan Dam China 24°01′38″N 100°22′19″E 1,350 megawatts (1,810,000 hp) [55][56]
Dagangshan Dam China 29°26′57″N 102°13′02″E 2,600 megawatts (3,500,000 hp) [57]
Dalles Dam United States 45°36′44″N 121°08′04″W 1,878 megawatts (2,518,000 hp) [citation needed]
Danjiangkou Dam China 32°33′21″N 111°29′16″E 1,035 megawatts (1,388,000 hp) [citation needed]
Dnieper Hydroelectric Station Ukraine 47°52′09″N 35°05′13″E 1,578.6 megawatts (2,116,900 hp) [58]
El Chocón Dam Argentina 39°15′57″S 68°45′23″W 1,260 megawatts (1,690,000 hp) [16][59]
Emborcação Hydroelectric Power Plant Brazil 18°34′33″S 47°52′37″W 1,192 megawatts (1,598,000 hp) [60]
Engineer Souza Dias Hydroelectric Power Station Brazil 26°27′00″S 52°40′00″W 1,551 megawatts (2,080,000 hp) [61]
Enguri Dam Georgia 42°45′36″N 42°01′48″E 1,300 megawatts (1,700,000 hp) [62]
Ertan Dam China 26°49′16″N 101°46′52″E Yalong 3,300 megawatts (4,400,000 hp) 17 TWh (61 PJ) 101 km2 5.8 km3 1999 [63][64] [unreliable source?]
Estreito Hydroelectric Power Plant
(Portuguese)		 Brazil 06°35′22″S 47°27′53″W 1,087 megawatts (1,458,000 hp) [65]
Fengman Dam China 43°43′10″N 126°41′18″E 1,480 megawatts (1,980,000 hp) [66][67]
Fengning PSP Station China 41°41′03″N 116°33′12″E 3,600 MW 3.4 TWh (12 PJ) 0.070 km3 2019/2021
Furnas Dam Brazil 20°40′11″S 46°19′05″W 1,240 megawatts (1,660,000 hp) [60]
Geheyan Dam China 30°28′3″N 111°8′23″E 1,200 megawatts (1,600,000 hp) [68]
Gezhouba Dam China 30°44′23″N 111°16′20″E 2,715 megawatts (3,641,000 hp) [69]
Ghazi-Barotha Hydropower Project Pakistan 33°46′48″N 72°15′35″E 1,450 megawatts (1,940,000 hp) [citation needed]
Gilgel Gibe III Dam Ethiopia 06°50′50″N 37°18′05″E 1,870 megawatts (2,510,000 hp) [70]
Glen Canyon Dam United States 36°56′14″N 111°29′04″W 1,320 megawatts (1,770,000 hp) [71]
Gongboxia Dam China 35°52′40″N 102°13′56″E 1,500 megawatts (2,000,000 hp) [72]
Gordon M. Shrum Generating Station Canada 56°01′05″N 122°12′24″W 2,907 megawatts (3,898,000 hp) [73]
Goupitan Dam China 27°22′31″N 107°37′59″E Wu 3,000 megawatts (4,000,000 hp)[74] 9.67 TWh (34.8 PJ) 94 km2 6.45 km3 2009/2011 [75]
Grand Coulee Dam Image of some mountains, a large structure, a river and a village near the river United States 47°57′24″N 118°59′00″W Columbia 6,809 megawatts (9,131,000 hp) 20.24 TWh (72.9 PJ)[76] 324 km2 12 km3 1942/1950, 1973, 1975/1980, 1983/1984, 1991[note 2] [77]
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Ethiopia 11°12′51″N 35°05′35″E Blue Nile 5,150[note 3] 1,800 km2 74 km3 2022-2025[78][79][80]
Grand'Maison Dam France 45°12′21″N 06°07′01″E 1,800 megawatts (2,400,000 hp) [81]
Guandi Dam China 27°44′39″N 101°55′47″E 2,400 megawatts (3,200,000 hp) [82]
Guangzhao Dam China 25°57′34″N 105°15′03″E 1,040 megawatts (1,390,000 hp) [83]
Guanyinyan Dam China 26°31′17″N 101°26′16″E Jinsha 3,000 megawatts (4,000,000 hp) 13.62 TWh (49.0 PJ) 2.07 km3 2014/2016 [82]
Guri Dam Ground-level view of a large concrete structure in the left, power lines at the top and a parking lot with many cars in it Venezuela 07°46′00″N 63°00′00″W Caroní 10,235 megawatts (13,725,000 hp) 53.41 TWh (192.3 PJ) 4,250 km2 135 km3 1978, 1986 [84] [unreliable source?]
Hoover Dam Aerial view of a white structure located between mountains with a lake, roads in the left, power lines in the right and a pylon with some wires in the low part United States 36°00′56″N 114°44′16″W 2,080 megawatts (2,790,000 hp) [77]
Houziyan Dam China 30°32′46″N 102°03′29″E 1,700 megawatts (2,300,000 hp) [citation needed]
Huangdeng Dam China 26°33′22″N 99°06′41″E 1,900 megawatts (2,500,000 hp) [85]
Hòa Bình Dam Vietnam 20°48′30″N 105°19′26″E 1,960 megawatts (2,630,000 hp) [86][87]
Ilha Solteira Dam Brazil 20°22′58″S 51°21′44″W Paraná 3,444 megawatts (4,618,000 hp) 17.9 TWh (64 PJ) 1,195 km2 21.2 km3 1973 [61]
Ilisu Dam Turkey 37°34′00″N 41°54′00″E 1,200 megawatts (1,600,000 hp) [88]
Indirasagar Dam India 22°17′02″N 76°28′17″E 10,000 megawatts (13,000,000 hp) [89]
Infiernillo Dam Mexico 18°16′23″N 101°53′34″W 1,120 megawatts (1,500,000 hp) [48]
Inga II Democratic Republic of the Congo 05°31′44″S 13°37′14″E 1,424 megawatts (1,910,000 hp) [90]
Iron Gate I Hydroelectric Power Station
  • Romania
  • Serbia
 44°40′15″N 22°31′45″E 2,372 megawatts (3,181,000 hp) [91]
Itaipu Dam Aerial view of a huge concrete structure located between some low hills and a river, with some large pipes at the base and power lines at the top of the structure and a road
  • Brazil
  • Paraguay
 25°24′31″S 54°35′21″W Paraná 14,000 megawatts (19,000,000 hp) 103 TWh (370 PJ)[1] 1,350 km2 29 km3 1984/1991, 2003[note 4] [92]
Itumbiara Hydroelectric Power Plant Brazil 18°25′00″S 49°13′00″W 2,082 megawatts (2,792,000 hp) [60]
Itá Hydroelectric Power Plant Brazil 27°16′00″S 52°19′00″W 1,450 megawatts (1,940,000 hp) [93][94] [unreliable source?]
Jean-Lesage generating station Canada 49°19′18″N 68°20′49″W 1,145 megawatts (1,535,000 hp) [33]
Jinanqiao Dam China 26°48′27″N 100°26′52″E 2,400 megawatts (3,200,000 hp) [82]
Jinghong Dam China 22°3′9″N 100°45′54″E 1,750 megawatts (2,350,000 hp) [95]
Jinping-I Dam China 28°11′07″N 101°37′42″E Yalong 3,600 megawatts (4,800,000 hp) 17 TWh (61 PJ) 82.5 km2 7.76 km3 2014 [96]
Jinping-II Dam China 28°14′20″N 101°38′32″E Yalong 4,800 megawatts (6,400,000 hp) 24.23 TWh (87.2 PJ) 0.010 km3 2014 [96]
Jirau Power Station Brazil 9°15′0″S 64°24′0″W Madeira 3,750 megawatts (5,030,000 hp) 19.1 TWh (69 PJ) 258 km2 2014/2016 [97][98][99]
Jishixia Dam China 35°49′42″N 102°42′23″E 1,020 megawatts (1,370,000 hp) [100]
John Day Dam United States 45°42′59″N 120°41′40″W 2,160 megawatts (2,900,000 hp) [citation needed]
José Richa Hydroelectric Plant Brazil 25°32′36″S 53°29′48″W 1,240 megawatts (1,660,000 hp) [101]
Julius Nyerere Dam Tanzania 07°48′19″S 37°50′44″E 2,115 megawatts (2,836,000 hp) [102][103]
Karakaya Dam Turkey 38°13′40″N 39°08′20″E 1,800 megawatts (2,400,000 hp) [104]
Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Plant India 31°32′35.53″N 78°00′54.80″E 1,000 megawatts (1,300,000 hp) [citation needed]
Kariba Power Station
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
 16°31′18″S 28°45′41″E 1,626 megawatts (2,181,000 hp) [105]
Karun-1 Dam (Shahid Abbaspour) Iran 32°07′00″N 49°37′00″E 2,000 megawatts (2,700,000 hp) [106][107]
Karun-2 Dam (Masjed Soleyman) Iran 32°01′40″N 49°24′01″E 2,000 megawatts (2,700,000 hp) [107][108]
Karun-3 Dam Iran 31°48′00″N 50°05′00″E 2,280 megawatts (3,060,000 hp) [107][109][110]
Karun-4 Dam Iran 31°36′00″N 50°28′00″E 1,020 megawatts (1,370,000 hp) [107]
Keban Dam Aerial view of a concrete structure located between mountains that has a long ridge, a road and large pipes and an electric power transformation station Turkey 38°48′25″N 38°45′25″E 1,330 megawatts (1,780,000 hp) [111][112]
Kettle Generating Station Canada 56°23′03″N 94°38′06″W 1,220 megawatts (1,640,000 hp) [113]
Koyna Hydroelectric Project India 17°24′06″N 73°45′08″E 1,960 megawatts (2,630,000 hp) [114]
Krasnoyarsk Dam Image of a large water retaining structure that spills water like a waterfall, some power lines and a construction crane Russia 55°56′05″N 92°17′40″E Yenisei 6,000 megawatts (8,000,000 hp) 18.35 TWh (66.1 PJ) 2,000 km2 73.3 km3 1967/1972 [115]
Kvilldal Hydroelectric Power Station Norway 59°31′00″N 06°38′00″E 1,240 megawatts (1,660,000 hp) [116]
La Grande-1 generating station Canada 53°44′04″N 78°34′25″W 1,436 megawatts (1,926,000 hp) [29][117]
La Grande-2-A generating station Canada 53°47′09″N 77°27′07″W 2,106 megawatts (2,824,000 hp) [29][118]
La Grande-3 generating station Canada 53°43′40″N 75°59′55″W 2,418 megawatts (3,243,000 hp) [29][119]
La Grande-4 generating station Canada 53°53′12″N 73°27′55″W 2,779 megawatts (3,727,000 hp) [29][120]
Lai Châu Dam Vietnam 22°08′22″N 102°59′07″E 1,200 megawatts (1,600,000 hp) [121][122]
Laxiwa Dam China 36°04′13″N 101°11′08″E Yellow 4,200 megawatts (5,600,000 hp)[123] 10.23 TWh (36.8 PJ) 1.08 km3 2010 [72]
Laúca Dam Angola 9°44′34.9″S 15°07′32.2″E 2,070 megawatts (2,780,000 hp) [124][125]
Lianghekou Dam China 30°09′46″N 101°00′49″E Yalong 3,000 megawatts (4,000,000 hp) 11 TWh (40 PJ) 10.77 km3 2021/2022[126] [127][128]
Lijiaxia Dam China 36°7′7″N 101°48′29″E 2,000 megawatts (2,700,000 hp) [129]
Limestone Generating Station Canada 55°30′25″N 94°06′25″W 1,340 megawatts (1,800,000 hp) [130]
Liujiaxia Dam China 35°56′02″N 103°20′34″E 1,225 megawatts (1,643,000 hp) [63]
Liyuan Dam China 27°39′36″N 100°17′12″E 2,400 megawatts (3,200,000 hp) [82]
Longkaikou Dam China 26°31′57″N 100°24′58″E 1,800 megawatts (2,400,000 hp) [citation needed]
Long Spruce Generating Station Canada 56°24′1″N 94°22′10″W 1,010 megawatts (1,350,000 hp) [131]
Longtan Dam China 25°01′38″N 107°02′51″E Hongshui 6,426 megawatts (8,617,000 hp) 18.7 TWh (67 PJ)[132] 27.27 km3 2007/2009 [133]
Longyangxia Dam China 36°7′21″N 100°55′12″E 1,280 megawatts (1,720,000 hp) [72][134]
Ludila Dam China 26°12′01″N 100°48′54″E 2,160 megawatts (2,900,000 hp) [82]
Luiz Barreto Hydroelectric Power Plant Brazil 20°9′11″S 47°16′46″W 1,050 megawatts (1,410,000 hp) [135]
Luiz Gonzaga Power Station Brazil 9°8′38″S 38°18′48″W 1,479 megawatts (1,983,000 hp) [136]
Macagua Venezuela 8°18′14″N 62°40′04″W Caroní 3,167.5 megawatts (4,247,700 hp) 15.2 TWh (55 PJ) 47.4 km2 0.36 km3 1961, 1996 [137]
Machadinho Hydroelectric Power Plant Brazil 27°34′00″S 51°40′00″W 1,140 megawatts (1,530,000 hp) [138][139]
Maerdang Dam China 34°40′21″N 100°41′32″E 2,200 megawatts (3,000,000 hp) [140][141]
Malpaso (Nezahualcoyotl) Dam Mexico 17°10′43″N 93°35′54″W 1,080 megawatts (1,450,000 hp) [48]
Mangla Dam Pakistan 33°08′31″N 73°38′42″E 1,070 megawatts (1,430,000 hp) [142][143]
Manic-5 Generating Station Canada 50°38′21″N 68°43′35″W 1,596 megawatts (2,140,000 hp) [33]
Manic-5-PA Generating Station Canada 50°28′30″N 68°43′46″W 1,064 megawatts (1,427,000 hp) [33]
Mantaro-Tablachaca Hydroelectric Complex
(Spanish)		 Peru 12°17′28″S 74°41′04″W 1,008 megawatts (1,352,000 hp) [144]
Manwan Dam China 24°37′20″N 100°26′56″E 1,570 megawatts (2,110,000 hp) [145]
Marimbondo Hydroelectric Power Plant Brazil 20°18′14″S 49°11′52″W 1,440 megawatts (1,930,000 hp) [60]
McNary Dam United States 45°55′47″N 119°17′46″W 1,127 megawatts (1,511,000 hp) [146]
Merowe Dam Sudan 18°40′08″N 32°03′01″E 1,250 megawatts (1,680,000 hp) [147]
Miaowei Dam China 25°51′15.66″N 99°9′40.78″E 1,400 megawatts (1,900,000 hp) [148]
Mica Dam Canada 52°04′40″N 118°33′59″W 2,805 megawatts (3,762,000 hp) [149]
Moses-Saunders Power Dam
  • Canada
  • United States
 45°00′23″N 74°47′42″W 1,957 megawatts (2,624,000 hp) [150][151]
Mosul Dam Iraq 36°37′49″N 42°49′23″E 1,052 megawatts (1,411,000 hp) [152]
Nam Theun II Dam Laos 17°30′14″N 105°01′53″E 1,075 megawatts (1,442,000 hp) [153]
Nathpa Jhakri Dam India 31°33′50″N 77°58′49″E 1,500 megawatts (2,000,000 hp) [154] [unreliable source?]
Ney Braga Hydroelectric Plant Brazil 25°47′35″S 52°6′47″W 1,280 megawatts (1,720,000 hp) [101]
Nizhnekamsk Hydroelectric Station Russia 55°41′59″N 52°16′43″E 1,205 megawatts (1,616,000 hp) [155]
Nuozhadu Dam China 22°33′51″N 100°30′46″E Mekong 5,850 megawatts (7,840,000 hp) 23.9 TWh (86 PJ)[156] 320 km2 21.75 km3 2014[157] [82]
Nurek Dam Tajikistan 38°22′00″N 69°21′00″E Vakhsh 3,015 megawatts (4,043,000 hp) 11.2 TWh (40 PJ) 98 km2 10.5 km3 1972/1979, 1988 [158]
Outardes-3 generating station Canada 49°33′33″N 68°43′58″W 1,026 megawatts (1,376,000 hp) [33]
Paulo Afonso Hydroelectric Complex Aerial image of a coastal mountainous place with some structures located on top of it and some power lines Brazil 9°23′49″S 38°12′08″W São Francisco 4,279 megawatts (5,738,000 hp)
4,279.6 MW		 117 km2 1.4 km3 1954/1974, 1979/1983 [159]
Paute Dam Ecuador 02°35′10″S 78°33′30″W 1,075 megawatts (1,442,000 hp) [160]
Pengshui Dam China 29°12′02″N 108°11′50″E 1,750 megawatts (2,350,000 hp) [161]
Piedra del Águila Dam Argentina 40°11′25″S 69°59′29″W 1,400 megawatts (1,900,000 hp) [16]
Porto Primavera Dam Brazil 15°34′45″S 56°05′49″W 1,540 megawatts (2,070,000 hp) [61]
Pubugou Dam China 29°12′34″N 102°50′11″E Dadu 3,300 megawatts (4,400,000 hp) 14.6 TWh (53 PJ) 5.39 km3 2009/2010 [162]
René-Lévesque generating station Canada 49°44′25″N 68°35′34″W 1,244 megawatts (1,668,000 hp) [33]
Revelstoke Dam Canada 51°02′58″N 118°11′38″W 2,480 megawatts (3,330,000 hp) [163]
Robert-Bourassa generating station A giant staircase carved in the rock Canada 53°47′43″N 77°26′26″W La Grande 5,616 megawatts (7,531,000 hp)[note 5][164] 31 TWh (110 PJ) 2,835 km2 61.7 km3 1979/1981 [33]
Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant United States 43°08′35″N 79°02′23″W 2,675 megawatts (3,587,000 hp) [165]
Rocky Reach Dam United States 47°32′00″N 120°17′40″W 1,299.6 megawatts (1,742,800 hp) [166]
Roseires Dam Sudan 18°40′10″N 32°03′10″E 1,800 megawatts (2,400,000 hp) [citation needed]
Salto Grande Dam
  • Argentina
  • Uruguay
 31°16′29″S 57°56′18″W 1,890 megawatts (2,530,000 hp) [16][167]
Salto Osório Hydroelectric Power Plant Brazil 25°32′06″S 53°00′33″W 1,078 megawatts (1,446,000 hp) [168]
Salto Santiago Dam Brazil 25°37′04″S 52°36′48″W 1,420 megawatts (1,900,000 hp) [169]
Sanbanxi Dam China 26°36′21″N 109°02′57″E 1,000 megawatts (1,300,000 hp) [170]
San Carlos Hydroelectric Power Plant Colombia 06°12′39″N 74°50′26″W 1,240 megawatts (1,660,000 hp) [171]
Santo Antonio Dam Brazil 8°48′6″S 63°57′3″W Madeira 3,568 megawatts (4,785,000 hp)
3,580 MW[172]		 21.2 TWh (76 PJ) 490 km2 2012/2016 [173][174]
Saratov Hydroelectric Station Russia 52°03′11″N 47°45′18″E 1,481 megawatts (1,986,000 hp) [175][176]
Sardar Sarovar Dam Image of a wall like structure located between mountains with curves at the bottom of it, some kind of plant and a rusty rail bar India 21°49′49″N 73°44′50″E 1,450 megawatts (1,940,000 hp)
Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam Russia 52°49′31″N 91°22′15″E Yenisei 6,400 megawatts (8,600,000 hp) 29.4 TWh (106 PJ)[177] 621 km2 31.3 km3 1978/1985, 2010/2014[note 6] [178]
Serra da Mesa Hydroelectric Power Station Brazil 24°58′23″S 53°28′19″W 1,275 megawatts (1,710,000 hp) [179]
Shatuo Dam China 28°29′53″N 108°28′31″E 1,120 megawatts (1,500,000 hp) [180]
Shuibuya Dam China 30°26′30″N 110°21′40″E 1,840 megawatts (2,470,000 hp) [181]
Shuikou Dam China 26°18′7″N 118°48′48″E 1,400 megawatts (1,900,000 hp) [citation needed]
Silin Dam China 27°48′08″N 108°11′10″E 1,080 megawatts (1,450,000 hp) [182]
Sobradinho Dam Brazil 09°28′00″S 40°48′30″W 1,050 megawatts (1,410,000 hp) [183]
Srisailam Dam Aerial image of a river flowing from a concrete structure in the shape of a waterfall, with some forest in the background India 16°05′12″N 78°53′48″E 1,670 megawatts (2,240,000 hp) [184]
Suwalong Dam China 29°33′22″N 99°02′53″E 1,200 megawatts (1,600,000 hp) [185][186]
São Simão Hydroelectric Power Plant Brazil 18°59′03″S 50°31′08″W 1,710 megawatts (2,290,000 hp) [60]
Sơn La Dam Vietnam 21°29′47″N 103°59′42″E 2,400 megawatts (3,200,000 hp) [187]
Tala Hydroelectricity Project Bhutan 27°02′09″N 89°35′49″E 1,020 megawatts (1,370,000 hp) [188][189] [unreliable source?]
Tarbela Dam Pakistan 34°05′23″N 72°41′54″E Indus 4,888 megawatts (6,555,000 hp)[190] 17.39 TWh (62.6 PJ) 260 km2 13.7 km3 1976, 1992, 2018 [note 7] [143][191]
Tehri Dam[note 8] India 30°22′40″N 78°28′50″E 1,400 megawatts (1,900,000 hp) [note 9] [192][193]
Teles Pires Dam Brazil 09°20′26″S 56°46′37″W 1,820 megawatts (2,440,000 hp) [194]
Three Gorges Dam Aerial view of a huge concrete structure located between the mountains, with buildings, power lines and construction and lifting cranes China 30°49′15″N 111°00′08″E Yangtze 22,500 megawatts (30,200,000 hp) 111.8 terawatt-hours (402 PJ)[195] 1,084 km2 39.3 km3 2008/2012 [196][197]
Tianshengqiao-I Dam China 24°56′31″N 105°06′23″E 1,200 megawatts (1,600,000 hp) [198]
Tianshengqiao-II Dam China 24°57′47″N 105°09′20″E 1,320 megawatts (1,770,000 hp) [198]
Tingzikou Dam China 31°49′24″N 105°52′07″E 1,100 megawatts (1,500,000 hp) [199]
Toktogul Dam Kyrgyzstan 41°48′23″N 72°52′27″E 1,260 megawatts (1,690,000 hp) [200][201]
Tucuruí Dam Aerial view of a concrete structure, a low hill and massive amounts of water that spur in a waterfall like way from the structure Brazil 03°49′54″S 49°38′48″W Tocantins 8,370 megawatts (11,220,000 hp) 41.43 TWh (149.1 PJ) 3,014 km2 45 km3 1984, 2007 [202]
Upper Gotvand Dam Iran 32°12′58″N 48°56′09″E 1,000 megawatts (1,300,000 hp) [107][203]
Ust-Ilimsk Hydroelectric Station Russia 57°58′06″N 102°41′45″E Angara 3,840 megawatts (5,150,000 hp) 21.7 TWh (78 PJ) 1,873 km2 59.4 km3 1980 [204]
Volga Hydroelectric Station Russia 48°49′34″N 44°40′19″E 2,734 megawatts (3,666,000 hp) [205][206]
Votkinsk Hydroelectric Station Russia 56°47′13″N 54°04′44″E 1,120 megawatts (1,500,000 hp) [207][208]
Wanapum Dam United States 46°52′31″N 119°58′16″W 1,040 megawatts (1,390,000 hp) [209]
Wanjiazhai Dam China 39°34′47″N 111°25′38″E 1,080 megawatts (1,450,000 hp) [63]
Wudongde Dam China 26°20′02″N 102°37′48″E Jinsha 10,200 megawatts (13,700,000 hp) 38.91 TWh (140.1 PJ) 7.4 km3 2020/2021[210] [211][212]
Wujiangdu Dam China 27°19′10″N 106°45′39″E 1,130 megawatts (1,520,000 hp) [213]
Wuqiangxi Dam China 28°46′33″N 110°55′39″E 1,200 megawatts (1,600,000 hp) [214]
Xayaburi Dam Laos 19°15′14″N 101°48′49″E 1,285 megawatts (1,723,000 hp) [215][216]
Xiangjiaba Dam China 28°38′57″N 104°22′14″E Jinsha 7,798 megawatts (10,457,000 hp)
6,400 MW[217]		 30.88 TWh (111.2 PJ)[218] 95.6 km2 5.16 km3 2014[219][220] [221][222][223]
Xiaolangdi Dam China 34°40′13″N 112°25′33″E 1,836 megawatts (2,462,000 hp) [224] [unreliable source?]
Xiaowan Dam China 24°42′19″N 100°05′32″E Mekong 4,200 megawatts (5,600,000 hp)[225] 19 TWh (68 PJ) 190 km2 15 km3 2010 [226]
Xiluodu Dam China 28°15′52″N 103°38′47″E Jinsha 13,860 megawatts (18,590,000 hp)[227] 55.2 TWh (199 PJ) 108 km2 12.67 km3 2014[228] [229][230]
Xingó Hydroelectrical Power Plant Brazil 9°37′14″S 37°47′34″W São Francisco 3,162 megawatts (4,240,000 hp) 18.7 TWh (67 PJ)[231] 60 km2 3.8 km3 1994/1997 [232]
Yacyretá Dam
  • Argentina
  • Paraguay
 27°28′58″S 56°43′30″W Paraná 3,100 megawatts (4,200,000 hp) 20.09 TWh (72.3 PJ) 1,695 km2 21 km3 1994/1998, 2011 [16]
Yangqu Dam China 35°42′4″N 100°16′8″E 1,200 megawatts (1,600,000 hp) [233]
Yantan Dam China 24°02′26″N 107°30′45″E 1,210 megawatts (1,620,000 hp) [234]
Zeya Hydroelectric Station Russia 53°48′00″N 127°23′00″E 1,330 megawatts (1,780,000 hp) [235][236]
Zhiguli Hydroelectric Station Russia 53°26′42″N 49°29′24″E 2,488 megawatts (3,336,000 hp) [237][238]
Água Vermelha Dam Brazil 19°56′59″S 49°53′54″W 1,396 megawatts (1,872,000 hp) [61][239]
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Under construction

This table lists stations under construction with an expected installed capacity at least 3,000 MW.

More information Name, Country ...
Name Country Location River Expected
capacity (MW)		 Expected
completion
Medog China 29°27′37″N 95°21′48″E Yarlung Tsangpo 60,000 megawatts (80,000,000 hp) 2033
Tasang Myanmar 20°27′23″N 98°39′0″E Salween 7,110 megawatts (9,530,000 hp) ? (on hold)
Diamer-Bhasha Pakistan 35°31′08″N 73°47′10″E Indus River 4,500 megawatts (6,000,000 hp) 2029[240]
Dasu Pakistan 35°31′10″N 73°44′21″E Indus River 4,320 megawatts (5,790,000 hp) 2029[241]
Rogun Tajikistan 38°41′03″N 69°46′26″E Vakhsh 3,780 megawatts (5,070,000 hp)[242][note 10] 2018[243]-2029
Myitsone Myanmar 25°41′23″N 97°31′04″E Irrawaddy 3,600 megawatts (4,800,000 hp) ? (suspended)
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See also

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Notes

  1. [1]
    Generating capacity is not the only factor determining the amount of electricity generated, as this also depends on consistent utilization of the plant's capacity. Factors enhancing this are the free capacity of the reservoir and the consistency of water supply during and across years.
  2. [2]
    First unit installed in 1942, 18th in 1950, 21st in 1991; 6 units in third powerplant were installed between 1975 and 1980, 2 units of pumped-storage plant were installed in 1973, 4 more units in 1983 and 1984.
  3. [3]
    750 MW commissioned as of August 2022
  4. [4]
    First unit installed in 1984, 18th in 1991; in 2003, 2 additional units were installed.
  5. [5]
    Combined with adjacent La Grande-2-A the LG-2 complex has 7,722 MW of installed capacity
  6. [6]
    10 units were installed between 1978 and 1985; after the 2009 failure, new units were installed between 2010 and 2014.
  7. [7]
    planned final capacity 6,418 megawatts (8,607,000 hp)
  8. [8]
    power station under construction
  9. [9]
    another is 1,000 MW under construction
  10. [10]
    760 MW commissioned as of October 2021

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