Nurek Dam

The Nurek Dam is one of the tallest dams in the world, located on the Vakhsh River in Tajikistan. Completed in 1980, it stands 304 meters high and plays a vital role in the country’s energy supply. Built by the Soviet Union between 1961 and 1980, the Nurek Dam operates nine turbines with a total capacity of 3,015 MW, supplying 70% of Tajikistan’s electricity. Its reservoir holds 10.5 km³ of water, used for both power generation and irrigation of 700 km² of farmland. The nearby town of Nurek houses dam engineers and staff. As a symbol of engineering excellence and national development, the dam remains central to Tajikistan’s infrastructure.