Major Dams of Europe

Dams are imposing technical feats created to harness the power of water for a variety of uses, including irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and water delivery. There are numerous large dams in Europe that have altered the topography, produced necessary resources, and aided in the region's economic growth. These dams are crucial pieces of infrastructure that provide water supply, assist agriculture, and power various industries.

In addition to being works of engineering genius, they are also representations of human inventiveness and the pursuit of sustainable resource management.

Features of Major Dams of Europe

These large dams are essential for agriculture, electricity generation, flood control, and water supply in their respective regions. They have had a big impact on the growth and sustainability of many different industries, including agriculture, business, and tourism. Here is the explanation about major dams of Europe −

Sayano–Shushenskaya Dam

In Khakassia, Russia, close to Sayanogorsk, the Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam is situated on the Yenisei River. The power plant's full legal name is OJSC. According to average power generation, it is the biggest power station in Russia and the 12th largest hydroelectric plant in the world. RusHydro is in charge of running the plant. With a surface area of 621 km² and a total capacity of 31.34 km³, the Sayano-Shushenskoe reservoir is supported by the dam.

Atatürk Dam

The third largest dam in the world is the Atatürk Dam, which was formerly known as the Karababa Dam. It is a zoned rock-fill dam with a central core. The dam is located on state road D-875, which connects Bozova to Adyaman, 23 km to the northwest of Bozova in the province of Anlurf. The dam embankment measures 1,820 m in length and 169 m in height. The hydroelectric power plant (HEPP) produces 8,900 GWh of energy yearly and has a total installed power capacity of 2,400 MW. The dam project had an estimated US$1,250,000,000 overall cost.

Contra Dam

The Locarno Dam and the Contra Dam are two names for the same dam. The dam powers the 105 MW Verzasca hydroelectric power station and forms Lago di Vogorno, which is located 1.2 miles (km) upstream of Lake Maggiore. It is an arch dam on the Verzasca River in Switzerland's Val Verzasca. The fourth-tallest dam in Switzerland is owned and run by Verzasca SA.

Almendra Dam

The River Tormes is diverted five kilometres from the settlement of Almendra, which is where the Almendra Dam, also known as Villarino Dam, gets its name (almond). The building was built between 1963 and 1970. The arch dam, together with the Castro, Ricobayo, Saucelle, and Villalcampo dams in Spain, and the Bemposta, Miranda, and Picote Dams in neighbouring Portugal, is a component of the hydroelectric system known as the Saltos del Duero (literally, "the Duero Drops").

Chirkey Dam

On the Sulak River in Dagestan, Russia, there is an arch dam called the Chirkey Dam. The dam's primary function is to produce hydroelectric electricity, and it serves as the foundation for a 1,000 MW power plant. The first generator was operational by 1974, the last by 1976, and the project was formally finished in 1978. Construction on the dam started in 1964. It is Russia's tallest arch dam. The dam is a 338 m long (crest) concrete arch dam that is 232.5 m tall. It is 1,275,000 m³ of concrete and measures 6 m at its peak and 30 m at its base.

Mauvoisin Dam

In the Swiss canton of Valais, the Mauvoisin Dam is a concrete variable radius arch dam that spans the Val de Bagnes on the Dranse de Bagnes stream. The dam's initial building phase began in 1951 and was finished in 1957. The dam's main objective is to produce hydroelectric power. The Mauvoisin Dam, the eighth-highest in the world, is 250 meters high, 520 meters long, and has a structural volume of 2,030,000 cubic meters. The 4.9-kilometer Lac de Mauvoisin, with a capacity of 211.5 million m³, and its entire surface area of 208 hectares are created by the water accumulated behind the dam.

List of Major Dams of Europe

Here's a table of Major Dams of Europe, including their location −

Dam Name	Location
Sayano–Shushenskaya Dam	Russia
Atatürk Dam	Turkey
Contra Dam	Switzerland
Almendra Dam	Spain
Chirkey Dam	Russia
Mauvoisin Dam	Switzerland

Conclusion

The main dams of Europe are amazing engineering achievements that have changed the region's environment and provided vital resources. These dams provide water supply, irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation among their many uses. They have made a major contribution to the growth and sustainability of numerous industries, including energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

These dams have aided in economic development, enhanced water management, and offered sources of renewable energy. These large dams will be essential in fulfilling energy needs, managing water resources, and promoting the region's growth in a responsible manner as Europe continues to prioritize sustainable development and renewable energy sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the major uses of dams in Europe?

Dams in Europe serve various purposes such as irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply.

Where is the Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam located?

The Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam is located in Khakassia, Russia, near Sayanogorsk.

Where is the Contra Dam situated?

The Contra Dam, also known as the Locarno Dam, is located on the Verzasca River in Val Verzasca, Switzerland.

Which country is the Deriner Dam located in?

The Deriner Dam is located in the Turkish province of Artvin.

Which country is home to the Almendra Dam?

The Almendra Dam is located in Spain.

What is the primary purpose of the Chirkey Dam?

The Chirkey Dam, situated on the Sulak River in Dagestan, Russia, is primarily used for hydroelectric power generation.

Where is the Mauvoisin Dam located?

The Mauvoisin Dam is situated in the Swiss canton of Valais.