Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam
The largest power plant in Russia
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 1978, Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam is a hydro power plant located in Russia with an installed capacity of 6.4 GW. It is operated by RusHydro. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 5 power plants in Russia.
Why It Matters
Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam is a critical piece of Russia's electricity infrastructure, producing enough power for approximately 2.2 million US-equivalent households per year. Hydroelectric facilities are dispatchable: their output can be ramped up and down quickly to match grid demand, which makes them especially valuable for balancing the rest of the system.
Environmental Impact
Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam produces effectively zero operating-stage emissions, displacing roughly 22.4 million tonnes of CO2 per year compared to a coal-equivalent. Large hydroelectric projects do reshape rivers and ecosystems: they trap sediment, alter water temperatures downstream, and can block fish migration. The size of these impacts varies dramatically by site.
Fun Facts
- The largest power plant in Russia by installed capacity.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 2.2 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 48 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam produce?▾
Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam has an installed nameplate capacity of 6.4 GW. At typical capacity factors for hydro plants (~42%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 2.2 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam located?▾
Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam is located in Russia at approximately 52.8264°, 91.3681°.
When was Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam built?▾
Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam was commissioned in 1978.
Who owns Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam?▾
Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam is owned and operated by RusHydro.
About Hydroelectric Power
Hydroelectric power plants use the kinetic energy of flowing or falling water to generate electricity. They are renewable, produce no direct emissions, and can provide reliable baseload power or flexible peaking capacity.
Other Hydroelectric Power Plants in Russia
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Krasnoyarsk Dam | 6.0 GW | RusHydro |
| ⚡Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station | 4.5 GW | En+ Group |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.