Which is the largest dam in the world?

Which is the largest dam in the world depends on the criteria you take into account, such as the reservoir capacity, dam height, the volume of construction material, the installed powerplant capacity or the actual energy generation.

1 . Kariba Dam in Zambia

Based on the reservoir capacity, the Kariba Dam is considered to be the largest in the world. The Kariba dam is in Zambia, and has a reservoir capacity of 180,600 hm³. 

Kariba Dam in Zambia (Source: Wikipedia)

2 . Rogun Dam in Tajikistan

The tallest dam in the world is under construction: the Rogun Dam on the Vakhsh River in Tajikistan is projected to be 335 metres tall.

Construction of the Rogun Dam in Tajikistan 

3 . Syncrude Tailings Dam in Canada

Based on the volume of construction material, the Syncrude Tailings Dam is the largest dam in the world with 540.000.000 m³ of construction material. The Syncrude Tailings Dam is being built by compacting piled up dirt left over from mining operations, to make the structure as stable as possible.

Syncrude Tailings Dam and artificial lake in Canada (Source: Wikipedia)

4 . Three Gorges Dam in China

The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China, has the largest hydroelectric plant in the world, with an installed capacity of 22,500 MW.

Three Gorges Dam in China (Source: Wikipedia)

5 . Itaipu Dam between Brazil and Paraguay

The Itaipu Dam is the first in the world in hydropower generation and is located on the border between Brazil and Paraguay, on the Paraná River. The Itaipu Dam has an installed capacity of 14,000 MW and produces about 98,000 GWh per year.

Itaipu Dam between Brazil and Paraguay (Source: Wikipedia)