Record #00361Technology archive
World's Largest Run-of-the-River Hydroelectric Power Station
Chief Joseph Dam on Washington's Columbia River is recognized among the world's largest run-of-river hydroelectric stations. Its 27 units have 2,069 MW of nameplate capacity and 2,614 MW of maximum overload capability, which are distinct measures.
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Current Record
about2,614MW
Current record value
- Location
- Columbia River, Washington State, USA · Chief Joseph Dam site · United States
- Start date
- 1979
- Record status
- VerifiedView verification details ↗Report an issue
Overview
Archive NoteThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates Chief Joseph Dam. The first eight generating units came online in 1955, eight more by 1958, and eleven additional units in 1979, bringing the total to 27. The 1956 dedication is not the date when the present 27-unit generating capacity was attained.
Run-of-river operation passes much of the inflow downstream rather than relying on long-term water storage. USACE's 2026 data distinguish 2,069 MW nameplate from 2,614 MW overload capability. Guinness's 2.62 GW is an approximate account of the higher capacity, not a nameplate rating.
Record history
1 Milestones- about 2,614 MWChief Joseph Dam Hydroelectric StationColumbia River, Washington State, USACurrent Record
Sources
Evidence & ReferencesVerification basis and limitations
VerifiedThe record conclusion has sufficient verification support.
Basis: direct confirmation by an authority
Guinness identifies Chief Joseph Dam as the world's largest run-of-river station. Its 2.62 GW figure aligns with USACE's 2,614 MW overload capacity, not 2,069 MW nameplate capacity. All 27 units were in place only from 1979.
- Verification assessment
- 2026-11-05
- Last editorial review
- 2026-11-05
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