World's Largest Hydroelectric Plants

Updated September 9, 2022 | Infoplease Staff

(over 4,000 MW capacity)

Name of dam Location Rated capacity (MW) Year of
initial
operation
Present Ultimate
Itaipu Brazil/Paraguay 12,600 14,000 1983
Guri Venezuela 10,000 10,0001986
Grand Coulee Washington 6,494 6,494 1942
Sayano-Shushensk Russia6,400 6,400 1989
Krasnoyarsk Russia 6,000 6,0001968
Churchill Falls Canada 5,428 5,4281971
La Grande 2 Canada 5,328 5,328 1979
Bratsk Russia4,500 4,500 1961
MoxotoBrazil4,3284,328n.a.
Ust-Ilim Russia 4,320 4,3201977
TucuruiBrazil4,2458,3701984
NOTES: MW = megawatts. n.a. = not available.
Source: International Hydropower Association, Sutton, England.

World's Largest DamsStructures and BuildingsNotable Tunnels
Monuments and Landmarks
Sources +