«Three Gorges" - is not just the largest hydropower plant in the world, but China's national landmark, which attracts many tourists from all over the world.Large hydro, located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, was built to perform three main functions - electric power generation, flood control, as well as to improve the conditions of navigation.The construction of this facility began in 1994, and nine years later the station began to produce first electricity.In July 2012 all construction works were completed, followed by the biggest hydroelectric power station in the world was officially put into operation.
At the height of the dam reaches 185 meters and is able to pass every second 116 thousand cubic meters of water.Total hydropower units is equal to thirty-four.The power of each of the thirty-two of 700 megawatts, and the remaining two (they are used for their own needs objects) - 50 megawatts.The total capacity of the "Three Gorges" is 22.5 GW.As for electric power generation, the largest hydropower plant is able to produce annually about one hundred billion kilowatt-hours.I wonder what the designers originally planned that the station will give a tenth of all the energy produced in China.But so far lasted for construction of the facility, the country's needs have increased significantly, and now the energy that gives you a giant hydroelectric power station, is only two percent of the total.
It should be noted the great importance which has a hydroelectric power station during floods.Historically, that these natural disasters have become for the population of China is very serious problem, because every year they carry a large number of human lives.In this regard, on the Yangtze River is now under construction a complex cascade of reservoirs.In addition to his "Three Gorges" is hydroelectric "Gezhouba", erected in 1988.In addition, seven other stations that are currently at the stage of construction.The biggest hydroelectric dam in the world has a capacity of 20 cubic kilometers.Without a doubt, it will significantly reduce the impact of the annual spring floods.It should be noted that in the absence of any reservoir HPS becomes dependent on the water level in the river.After all, when it lowered sharply reduced capacity.And when a flood most of the meltwater is reset idle.
Hydroelectric "Three Gorges" is located in a picturesque area between the cities of Yichang and Chongqing.In this area there are many cultural and natural attractions.Due to the architectural originality, the largest hydropower plant in the world, dubbed the "Pearl of the Yangtze River."In addition, a great interest in people always evoked the possibility of scientific and technical progress, it is not surprising that he's "Three Gorges" began to enjoy great popularity with tourists even during construction.
As for domestic giants, the largest hydroelectric power station in Russia - Sayano-Shushenskaya is.Despite the fact that it declared capacity is 6,400 MW, it takes only the seventh place in the world rankings.In addition to "Three Gorges" in the first three hydroelectric included such as the Brazilian-Paraguayan "Itaipu" (14,000 MW) and the giant hydroelectric Venezuela - "Guri" (10.2 megawatts).
