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Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant

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Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)

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The Aswan High Dam hydroelectric power plant is one of Africa's most significant energy facilities and a masterpiece of 20th-century engineering. Constructed between 1960 and 1970, the plant features 12 Francis turbines with a total installed capacity of 2,100 megawatts. At its inauguration, the plant provided more than half of Egypt's total electricity demand, enabling the widespread electrification of rural provinces. The facility utilizes the water pressure from Lake Nasser to generate clean, renewable energy that is vital for the country's industrial growth. Beyond power generation, the dam plays a critical role in regulating the annual Nile floods and securing water supplies for perennial agriculture. While newer gas-fired plants have since been built, the Aswan hydroelectric plant remains a cornerstone of grid stability and a lasting symbol of Egypt's drive for technological and economic sovereignty.

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant is a monumental infrastructure project that generates a significant share of Egypt's electricity. It controls the Nile's flow, enabling agriculture and supporting the region's industrial development.
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Visiting
The plant itself may not be open to casual visitors, but the dam structure is accessible via guided tours from official viewpoints. The surrounding area features observation platforms where the scale of the dam can be appreciated from a distance.
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Where to view it
Public viewpoints exist along the eastern side of Lake Nasser and from the High Dam monument area. The best panorama is from the observation points near the dam's crest, offering views of the massive concrete structure and the reservoir.
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Local products
In the Aswan area, visitors can find local crafts, Nile fish, and date products. There are also markets selling Egyptian cotton and spices, though no direct products from the hydroelectric plant itself.
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Active season
The hydroelectric plant operates year-round, but the water flow is highest during the Nile flood season from July to October. Tourism to the dam peaks in the cooler months from November to February.
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Nearby
Combine a visit to the dam with tours of the Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Aswan Souq. A felucca ride on the Nile or a trip to Abu Simbel also pairs well with this industrial landmark.

Geography

Coordinates
23.97020, 32.88720

Facts

  • The power station is equipped with 12 turbines, each producing 175 MW.
  • Total installed capacity of the hydroelectric plant is 2,100 megawatts.
  • Annual electricity generation averages approximately 10,000 gigawatt-hours.
  • The project was completed with significant technical aid from the Soviet Union.
  • The main powerhouse building is 430 meters long and sits at the dam's base.
  • Electricity is generated using a maximum hydraulic head of 60 meters.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Aswan High DamAswan High Dam<1 km · SExplore →
Temple of KalabshaTemple of Kalabsha2 km · SExplore →
Philae TemplePhilae Temple5 km · EExplore →
Nubian MuseumNubian Museum10 km · EExplore →
Kom Ombo TempleKom Ombo Temple45 km · EExplore →
Benban Solar ParkBenban Solar Park48 km · EExplore →
Gabal el-HoshGabal el-Hosh82 km · EExplore →
Red SeaRed Sea84 km · NEExplore →

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Sights in the town Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (3)

The monument of Friendship between Egypt and Soviet Union

A monument in Aswan, commemorates Egyptian-Soviet cooperation during the dam's construction.

Temple of Kalabsha

An ancient Egyptian temple in Aswan, dedicated to the god Mandulis, later relocated.

Temple of Beit el-Wali

A rock-cut temple in Aswan, built by Ramesses II, with reliefs depicting his campaigns.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How much power does the Aswan Dam generate?
The installed capacity is 2.1 gigawatts from 12 turbines.
Can you visit the power plant?
Tourists can cross the dam and visit monuments, but direct entry to the power plant is restricted.
When was the dam built?
The High Dam was built between 1960 and 1970 with Soviet assistance.
What is the Lotus monument at the dam?
It is a monument of Egyptian-Soviet friendship, shaped like a lotus flower.
How does the dam affect the Nile?
It regulates the annual floods and allows for year-round irrigation.
Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant: where is it located?
Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant is located in Egypt.
Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include The monument of Friendship between Egypt and Soviet Union, Temple of Kalabsha, Temple of Beit el-Wali.
Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Aswan High Dam hydroelectric power plant is one of Africa's most significant energy facilities and a masterpiece of 20th-century engineering.
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Africa
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Nearby cities

Aswan — Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)
Aswan
The sunniest city in southern Egypt, rich in Nubian culture.
Idfu — Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)
Idfu
An Upper Egyptian city famous for its exceptionally well-preserved temple.
Lake Nasser — Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)
Lake Nasser
Lake Nasser is one of the world's largest artificial lakes, created by the Aswan High Dam and surrounded by relocated ancient Nubian monu…

History & landmarks

Aswan High Dam — Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)
Aswan High Dam
A monumental rock-fill dam built across the Nile in Aswan, creating Lake Nasser and controlling the river's annual flooding.
Nubian Museum — Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)
Nubian Museum
An archaeological museum located in Aswan dedicated to the history and culture of the Nubian people.

Nature

Lake Nasser — Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)
Lake Nasser
A massive reservoir in southern Egypt.

More places

Temple of Kalabsha — Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)
Temple of Kalabsha
An ancient Egyptian temple that was originally located at Bab al-Kalabsha and moved due to the dam.
Philae Temple — Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)
Philae Temple
A temple complex on an island in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, dedicated to the goddess Isis.
Kitchener&#39;s Island Botanical Garden — Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)
Kitchener's Island Botanical Garden
A lush garden on a Nile island in Aswan.
Elephantine Island Park — Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)
Elephantine Island Park
A peaceful park on a historic Nile island.
Kom Ombo Temple — Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)
Kom Ombo Temple
An unusual double temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris.
Benban Solar Park — Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)
Benban Solar Park
One of the largest solar parks in the world, located near Aswan.
Edfu Temple — Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)
Edfu Temple
One of the best preserved shrines in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.
Abu Simbel Temples — Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant (Egypt)
Abu Simbel Temples
Two massive rock temples in Nubia, carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Ramesses II.