China's Three Gorges Dam at full power

In July 2012, the final 32 generators of China's colossal Three Gorges Dam went into operation, making it the world's largest hydropower project, at the same time as the mighty Yangtze River hitting its annual flood peak.

What results are the following incredible photographs that shows the sheer force of the flood water released at up to 50,000 cubic metres PER SECOND from seven spillways into the reservoir after heavy downpours in the upper reaches of the dam caused the highest flood peak of the year.

The gushing water generates the same power as 15 NUCLEAR reactors.

Some facts:
- time to complete: 17 years
- no of people relocated: 1.3 million
- cost: USD59 billion
- power generating capacity: 22.5 GW, more than enough to power Pakistan or Switzerland
- size of reservoir created: 1,045 sq km (405 sq mile), bigger than Singapore
- height: 181m













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