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How does the Three Gorges Dam compare with Hoover Dam in height and power capacity?
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Three Gorges Dam
The Three Gorges Dam spanning the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang) near Yichang, Hubei province, China.
The Hoover Dam and the Three Gorges Dam differ significantly in their physical dimensions and energy output:
- Height: The Hoover Dam is taller, with a maximum height of 221 metres (726 feet) from its foundations. In comparison, the Three Gorges Dam has a maximum height of 185 metres (607 feet).123
- Power Capacity: The Three Gorges Dam has a substantially higher power capacity. Its hydroelectric plant is capable of generating 22,500 megawatts of electricity. The Hoover Dam has a total power capacity of 2,080 megawatts.132
While the Hoover Dam is a curved arch-gravity structure, the Three Gorges Dam is a straight-crested concrete gravity structure. Both projects represent major engineering achievements in their respective regions, though they were constructed in different eras and scales to address distinct needs for flood control, navigation, and power generation.123