Nurek Dam
Khatlon
The Nurek Dam is an earth-fill embankment dam located on the Vakhsh River in western Tajikistan, approximately 75 km east of Dushanbe. Constructed by the Soviet Union between 1961 and 1980, it was the tallest dam in the world upon completion, standing at 304 meters high, and remains the second tallest man-made dam globally. The dam's central core is made of cement, providing an impermeable barrier within the rock and earth fill structure. It houses nine hydroelectric generating units equipped with Francis turbines, which were upgraded in the 1980s to a combined capacity of 3,015 MW, supplying around 70% of Tajikistan's electricity as of 2024. The dam also forms the largest reservoir in Tajikistan, extending over 70 km with a capacity of 10.5 km³, which supports both power generation and irrigation. Water from the reservoir irrigates approximately 700 km² of farmland via a 14 km irrigation tunnel. The construction of the dam led to the resettlement of about 5,000 people and possibly induced seismic activity in the region. The nearby town of Nurek accommodates the dam's operational staff and engineers, making it a significant engineering and energy landmark in Central Asia.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and clearer views. Advance arrangements may be needed to access the dam area due to its operational status. While there are no standard ticketing procedures for casual tourists, guided tours or visits may require coordination with local authorities or the dam's administration. Exploring the nearby town of Nurek can provide additional context about the dam's significance and local culture.
Interesting facts
- •Nurek Dam was the tallest dam in the world when completed in 1980 at 304 meters (997 feet) high.
- •It remains the second tallest man-made dam globally, surpassed only by Jinping-I Dam in 2013.
- •The dam's reservoir is over 70 km long and has a capacity of 10.5 cubic kilometers, making it Tajikistan's largest reservoir.
- •Approximately 5,000 people were resettled due to the dam's reservoir flooding area.
- •The dam supplies about 70% of Tajikistan's electricity as of 2024.
- •Water from the reservoir irrigates around 700 square kilometers of farmland through a 14 km irrigation tunnel.
History
Construction of the Nurek Dam began in 1961 under the Soviet Union and was completed in 1980.
It was the tallest dam in the world at the time of completion.
The hydroelectric power station's first generator became operational in 1972, with the last commissioned in 1979.
Between 1984 and 1988, the turbines were retrofitted to increase their generating capacity.
The dam has played a central role in Tajikistan's electricity supply and agricultural irrigation since its completion.
