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Dnieper Hydroelectric Station

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

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The Dnieper Hydroelectric Station (DniproHES) in Zaporizhzhia is the oldest and largest hydroelectric power plant on the Dnieper River and a cornerstone of Ukrainian industrialization. Construction began in 1927 under the leadership of Soviet engineers and American consultants, with the station commencing operations in 1932. With an initial capacity of 560 MW, it was the largest power plant in Europe at the time. During World War II, the dam was destroyed twice and later rebuilt; following several modernizations, its current capacity stands at 1569 MW. The station plays a critical role in regulating the Dnieper's water level, which enabled navigation by overcoming the river's former rapids. In addition to electricity generation, the dam serves as a key transport link between the two banks of the city of Zaporizhzhia. The architecture of the turbine hall and the dam's distinctive curved shape are prime examples of Soviet constructivism and are protected as historical monuments. Despite its age, DniproHES remains a backbone of the Ukrainian power grid and a significant engineering landmark.

Location: Ukraine
Top sights: ML-20 · View on Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant
Nearby: Zaporizhzhia (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-5	-3	3	10	17	21	24	24	17	10	3	-2
Rain mm	50	38	42	36	53	59	46	38	42	37	41	44

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Dnieper Hydroelectric Station in Zaporizhzhia is the largest hydropower plant on the Dnieper River and a cornerstone of Ukraine's energy grid. It regulates river flow and provides peak-load electricity, supporting industrial and residential needs across the region.

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Visiting

The station is not open for public tours, but the exterior and dam structure can be viewed from designated public areas. Visitors can observe the massive concrete dam and spillways from a distance, especially from the riverbanks or the nearby bridge.

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Where to view it

The best public viewpoint is along the Dnieper embankment in Zaporizhzhia, offering a panoramic view of the dam and reservoir. Khortytsia Island provides another excellent vantage point across the river.

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Local products

While the station itself produces no consumer goods, the region benefits from reliable electricity that powers local industries. Travellers can encounter fresh produce from the fertile Dnieper floodplains, such as cherries and watermelons in season.

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Active season

The hydro station operates year-round, but its activity peaks during spring snowmelt when water flow is highest. This period, typically April to June, sees maximum power generation and water discharge.

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Nearby

A visit pairs well with exploring the historic city of Zaporizhzhia and the Khortytsia National Park. The island's museums and landscapes offer insight into Cossack history and the Dnieper's natural beauty.

Geography

Coordinates

47.86800, 35.08100

Facts

Construction began in 1927 as part of the GOELRO electrification plan.
The first generators were commissioned in October 1932.
The current installed capacity is 1569 MW following upgrades.
The dam has a total length of approximately 800 meters.
The dam's construction made 600 km of the Dnieper River navigable.
The dam was destroyed in 1941 by retreating Soviet forces.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Zaporizhzhian Sich (Khortytsia)1 km · SWExplore →

Khortytsia5 km · NWExplore →

Zaporizhzhia7 km · NExplore →

Motor Sich Plant15 km · NExplore →

Vilniansk40 km · NExplore →

Vasylivka44 km · NWExplore →

Yuzhmash Machine Plant52 km · EExplore →

Dnipro54 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Dnieper Hydroelectric Station (2)

ML-20

152 mm howitzer-gun M1937, Soviet WWII artillery piece, mass-produced from 1937 to 1946.

View on Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant

Viewpoint overlooking the Dnipro hydroelectric station, near Khortytsia Island.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is DniproHES?

The largest hydroelectric power station on the Dnieper River, located in Zaporizhzhia.

Can you visit the dam?

You can drive across the dam or admire it from Khortytsia Island.

When was it built?

Construction began in 1927 and was one of the largest USSR projects of its time.

Is it illuminated at night?

In peacetime, it is spectacularly illuminated in the national colors of blue and yellow.

What is its significance for navigation?

It has locks that allow ships to bypass the Dnieper rapids.

Dnieper Hydroelectric Station: where is it located?

Dnieper Hydroelectric Station is located in Ukraine.

Dnieper Hydroelectric Station: what is there to see?

Highlights include ML-20, View on Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant.

Dnieper Hydroelectric Station: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Dnieper Hydroelectric Station: why is it worth visiting?

The Dnieper Hydroelectric Station (DniproHES) in Zaporizhzhia is the oldest and largest hydroelectric power plant on the Dnieper River and a cornerstone of Ukrainian industrialization.

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