Ust-Ilimsk Hydroelectric Power Station, Hydroelectric power station in Irkutsk Oblast, Russia.
The Ust-Ilimsk Hydroelectric Power Station is a concrete gravity dam that spans 1,475 meters across the Angara River and operates 16 turbines to generate electricity for Eastern Siberia. The facility is one of several dams that manage the same river.
Construction of this third dam in the Angara cascade system began in 1963, reservoir filling started in 1974, and full operation was achieved in 1980. Its completion marked a turning point in hydropower development for the region.
The power station was essential to establishing Ust-Ilimsk city and shaped it as an industrial center with schools and research facilities. This development remains central to the region's identity today.
Keep in mind this is an active production facility, so access rules and safety restrictions may apply. It is best to check current conditions and permissions before visiting.
The dam created an artificial lake stretching over 300 kilometers, completely transforming the regional landscape. This vast reservoir reshaped the area's appearance and created new water management conditions.
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