The List of largest power stations is a Wikipedia article that provides an overview of the world's largest power-generating facilities, categorized by type and capacity. As of 2025, the article lists the top 10 overall and 5 of each type, in terms of installed electrical capacity.
What are the largest power-generating facilities in the world?
The largest power-generating facility ever built is the Three Gorges Dam in China, completed in 2012. It generates power by utilizing 32 Francis turbines for a total capacity of 22,500 MW. The eight largest power stations are also hydroelectric dams, beginning with Baihetan Dam, at 16,000 MW, also in China.
Types of Power Stations
The List of largest power stations categorizes power stations into two main types: non-renewable and renewable.
Non-Renewable Power Stations
Non-renewable power stations run on coal, fuel oils, nuclear fuel, natural gas, oil shale, and peat. The largest natural gas plant is Jebel Ali, UAE (8,695 MW) and the largest coal plant is Tuoketuo, China (6,720 MW). The largest nuclear plant is Kori, South Korea (7,489 MW) following the 2011 suspension of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, Japan (7,965 MW).
Renewable Power Stations
Renewable power stations run on fuel sources such as biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric, solar, and wind. The largest solar farm is Gonghe Talatan Solar Park, China (21,000 MW) and the largest wind farm is Gansu Wind Farm, China (10,450 MW).
Future Power Stations
The List of largest power stations also includes information on proposed power stations, including the Medog Dam, currently under construction on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Mêdog County, China, expected to be completed by 2033, and planned to have a capacity of 60 GW, three times that of the Three Gorges Dam. The Grand Inga Dam in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is another proposed power station, targeting to top 39,000 MW in installed capacity, nearly twice that of the Three Gorges. The Penzhin Tidal Power Plant Project also presumes an installed capacity up to 87,100 MW.
Why does it matter?
The List of largest power stations is important because it provides a snapshot of the world's energy production capacity. As the world continues to transition to renewable energy sources, understanding the current and future capacity of power-generating facilities is crucial for planning and decision-making.
History
The Three Gorges Dam, completed in 2012, is the largest power-generating facility ever built. It took over 15 years to complete and cost over $27 billion. The dam has generated controversy due to its environmental and social impacts.
Examples
The List of largest power stations includes various examples of power-generating facilities around the world. Some notable examples include:
- The Baihetan Dam, China, with a capacity of 16,000 MW
- The Gonghe Talatan Solar Park, China, with a capacity of 21,000 MW
- The Gansu Wind Farm, China, with a capacity of 10,450 MW
Relation to the Apiary Mission
While the List of largest power stations is not directly related to the Apiary mission, it is worth noting that the transition to renewable energy sources is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is a major concern for bee conservation. However, this section will not be expanded upon as it is not a genuine link.
FAQ
What is the largest power-generating facility ever built? The Three Gorges Dam in China, completed in 2012, is the largest power-generating facility ever built, with a capacity of 22,500 MW.
What is the difference between hydroelectric and solar power? Hydroelectric power generates electricity from the energy of moving water, while solar power generates electricity from sunlight.
How much power does the Gonghe Talatan Solar Park produce? The Gonghe Talatan Solar Park in China produces 21,000 MW of power.
What is the capacity of the proposed Grand Inga Dam? The proposed Grand Inga Dam in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is expected to have a capacity of 39,000 MW.
What is the difference between non-renewable and renewable power sources? Non-renewable power sources, such as coal and natural gas, are finite and will eventually run out, while renewable power sources, such as solar and wind, are sustainable and can be replenished naturally.