Top 10 Tallest Dams in the World

The height and design of a dam largely depend on the river’s flow, surrounding terrain, and geological conditions. Most of the world’s tallest dams are built in narrow valleys or deep mountain gorges, where the natural landscape provides a strong foundation and allows engineers to create higher, more stable structures while using less construction material.

At 300 meters (984 feet) tall, Nurek Dam in Tajikistan is currently the tallest completed dam in the world. Completed in 1980, it remains a remarkable engineering achievement and continues to play a vital role in hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water management.

The ranking of the world’s tallest dams is expected to change in the coming years as several massive projects are under construction. Rogun Dam in Tajikistan is designed to reach 335 meters (1,099 feet), which will make it the tallest dam ever built once completed. In China, the Shuangjiangkou Dam is under construction with a planned height of 312 meters (1,024 feet), making it one of the tallest dams in the world.

China is already home to many of the world’s largest and tallest dams, reflecting its significant investment in hydropower and water infrastructure. As ongoing projects are completed, China is expected to have four of the world’s ten tallest dams, further strengthening its position as a global leader in large-scale dam engineering and renewable energy development.

The Following Tallest Man-Made Dams in the World are ranked by height from bottom of the construction of the dams.