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INFRASTRUCTURE
Dams
Most Expensive Dams
This list features the most expensive dams in the world based on estimated construction costs.
RANK | DAM | LOCATION | COST |
1 | Atatürk Dam | Turkey | $32 billion |
2 | Three Gorges Dam | China | $31 billion |
3 | Itaipu Dam | Brazil/Paraguay | $27 billion |
4 | Belo Monte Dam | Brazil | $17 billion |
5 | Sardar Sarovar Dam | India | $8.2 billion |
6 | Xilodu Dam | China | $6.2 billion |
7 | Tamar Dam | Israel | $4.6 billion |
8 | Guri Dam | Venezuela | $2.5 billion |
9 | Mangla Dam | India | $1.5 billion |
10 | Kukule Ganga Dam | Sri Lanka | $1.5 billion |
11 | Nurek Dam | Tajikistan | $1.5 billion |
12 | Hirakud Dam | India | $1.2 billion |
13 | Oroville Dam | United States | $1.0 billion |
14 | Glen Canyon Dam | United States | $986 million |
References
Uetice. (n.d.). "Three Gorges Dam: World's Largest Concrete Giant." Medium. Available at: www.uetice.medium.com/three-gorges-dam-worlds-largest-concrete-giant-a27025e9b12f [Accessed 1 December 2025].
Collins, S. (2008). "Europe's Largest Dam: The Need for More Energy?" Christian Science Monitor, 27 May. Available at: www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2008/0527/p12s01-woeu.html [Accessed 1 December 2025].
Business Insider. (2017). "The World's Largest Power Plant: An Engineering Wonder." July. Available at: www.businessinsider.com/worlds-largest-power-plant-engineering-wonder-itaipu-dam-2017-7 [Accessed 1 December 2025].
NS Energy Business. (n.d.). "Tamar Field: Overview." Available at: www.nsenergybusiness.com/projects/tamar-field/[Accessed 1 December 2025].
Project Management Institute. (n.d.). "Guri Dam Case Study." Available at: www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/case-study/guri_dam_case_study_instructor_version.pdf [Accessed 1 December 2025].
Royal Geographical Society. (n.d.). "The Belo Monte Hydroelectric Dam Complex in Brazil." Available at: www.rgs.org/schools/resources-for-schools/the-belo-monte-hydroelectric-dam-complex-in-brazil [Accessed 1 December 2025].
Bagree, R. (n.d.). "Mangla Dam: Pakistan's Engineering Marvel." X. Available at: www.x.com/rishibagree/status/1799138906669256812?lang=bn [Accessed 1 December 2025].
LaMalfa, D. (n.d.). "Statement on Oroville Dam Costs Exceeding $1 Billion." Press Release. Available at: www.lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lamalfa-statement-on-oroville-dam-costs-exceeding-1-billion[Accessed 1 December 2025].
Kenyon College. (n.d.). "Dams and Their Impact." Available at: www2.kenyon.edu/projects/Dams/gec02tfin.html [Accessed 1 December 2025].
Johnston, L. and Williamson, S. H. (2023). "What Was the U.S. GDP Then?" MeasuringWorth. Available at: www.measuringworth.com/usgdp [Accessed 1 December 2025].
Water Technology. (n.d.). "Xiluodu Dam, Jinsha, Yangtze, China." Available at: www.water-technology.net/projects/xiluodu-dam-jinsha-yangtze-china/ [Accessed 1 December 2025].
CECP. (2017). "DPR Hirakud Final V5." Available at: www.cecp-eu.in/uploads/documents/events/65/DPR_Hirakud_final_V5_total_2.pdf [Accessed 1 December 2025].
The Corner House. (n.d.). "Dams Incorporated." Available at: www.thecornerhouse.org.uk/resource/dams-incorporated[Accessed 1 December 2025].
GTAI. (2017). "Resource Blob." Available at: www.gtai.de/resource/blob/27570/9d332ff259db5acf6b2c2f272ff2e956/pro201705305019-data.pdf [Accessed 1 December 2025].
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