Kariba Dam
Location: Kariba Gorge, Zambezi River, Zimbabwe
Type: Hydro
Status: Operational
Year of establishment: 1960
Installed Capacity: 1626 MWe
Project Description
The Kariba Dam, was constructed between 1955 and 1959, stands 128 meters tall and 579 meters long and was commissioned in 1960. It has twelve Francis turbines in total, out of which four have a generating capacity of 150 MWe each, two have a generating capacity of 180 MWe each, and the remaining six have a generating capacity of 111 MWe each.
Purpose/Application
The Kariba Dam lies on the Zambezi River, straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and it is the world’s largest man-made reservoir in terms of capacity. It was constructed between 1955 and 1959, and has an installed generation of 1626 MW and an annual generation of 6400 GWh. It has resulted in reduction of Electric tariffs and promoted tourism which has further created employment.
Unique Aspect
Kariba Dam is aging and torrents from the spillway have eroded the bedrock, carving a vast crater that has undercut the dam's foundations. The dam is also vulnerable to earthquakes and heavy flooding from upstream waters into the plunge pool. Engineers are now warning that without urgent repairs, the whole dam will collapse.
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