Dam Sizes

Since large dams satisfy our need for hydroelectricity but can have a severe impact on the environment. Smaller dams—also called micro hydropower plants—are a modern compromise. While these very small facilities do not impact the environment as much, they also do not generate as much electricity as major dams, and need to be deployed locally in backyards, small municipal locations, and other places where the electricity is needed.

This is Three Gorges Dam in China. It is the world’s largest power station for hydroelectric energy. Large dams yield at least 30 MW. The installed capacity of Three Gorges is 22,500 MW. It supplies electricity to the grid, approximately 3% of China’s total electricity.

This is a design for a micro hydropower plant. It would have a capacity of about 100 kW. That would be enough electricity for a single home or maybe a small village. This type of hydroelectric facility is very effective in developing nations.