W.A.C. Bennett Dam: Canada's Hydroelectric Powerhouse and Its Detailed Metrics

W.A.C. Bennett Dam: Canada's Hydroelectric Powerhouse and Its Detailed Metrics
Introduction
The W.A.C. Bennett Dam, situated on the Peace River in British Columbia, Canada, is not just another hydroelectric dam; it's a marvel of engineering with specific metrics that make it stand out. This blog post delves into these metrics to give you an in-depth understanding of the dam's impact.

Installed Capacity
With an installed capacity of 2,730 megawatts, the W.A.C. Bennett Dam is one of Canada's largest hydroelectric projects. This capacity is enough to power approximately 2.2 million homes annually.

Construction Material
The dam's construction involved the use of 3.5 million cubic meters of concrete and 120,000 tons of steel. This massive use of material showcases the scale and complexity of the project.

Turbine Details
The dam is equipped with ten turbines, each capable of producing 273 megawatts. These turbines are state-of-the-art and contribute to the dam's high efficiency.

Annual Energy Output
The dam's annual energy output is around 13,000 GWh, contributing significantly to Canada's GDP. This energy production is equivalent to avoiding the emission of over 8 million tons of CO2 annually.

Environmental Impact
While the dam has many benefits, it has also led to the flooding of 1,761 square kilometers of forest, affecting 12,000 people directly. This has raised concerns about its long-term environmental sustainability.

Economic Benefits
Apart from energy production, the dam also supports local employment and contributes to regional development, making it a cornerstone of Canada's economic infrastructure.

Conclusion
The W.A.C. Bennett Dam serves as both an engineering marvel and a subject of environmental debate. Its specific metrics and contributions make it a compelling subject for anyone interested in hydroelectric power and sustainable development.

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