Gariep Dam

Gariep Dam
Gariep Dam
Gariep Dam is located in South Africa
Gariep Dam
Location of Gariep Dam in South Africa
Official nameGariep Dam
LocationBorder of Eastern Cape and Free State, South Africa
Coordinates30°37′25.43″S 25°30′23.81″E / 30.6237306°S 25.5066139°E / -30.6237306; 25.5066139
Construction began1965
Opening date1971
Owner(s)Department of Water Affairs
Dam and spillways
Type of damArch-gravity dam
ImpoundsOrange River
Height88 m (289 ft)
Length914 m (2,999 ft)
Reservoir
CreatesGariep Dam Reservoir
Total capacity5,340,000 megalitres (5,340 hm3; 5.34×109 m3)[1]
Surface area374 km2 (144 sq mi)
Power Station
Operator(s)Eskom
Turbines4 x 90 MW (120,000 hp)
Installed capacity360 MW (480,000 hp) (max)
Annual generation889 GWh (3,200 TJ)[2]

The Gariep Dam is located in South Africa, near the town of Norvalspont, bordering the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces. Its primary purpose is for irrigation, domestic and industrial use as well as for power generation. It the largest dam in South Africa.

  1. ^ "State of Dams in Provinces as on 20080901". Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. Archived from the original on 2008-04-21. Retrieved 2008-09-07.
  2. ^ Eskom website