Rogun Dam nears milestone with world’s tallest structure

The Rogun Dam in Tajikistan, being built by Webuild, has reached 1,100 m above sea level – a milestone that will allow its reservoir to rise further and increase hydropower capacity. When complete, the 335 m-high clay core rockfill structure will be the tallest dam in the world.

With an installed capacity equivalent to three nuclear reactors, Rogun is expected to supply electricity to around 10 million people, doubling Tajikistan’s energy production and reducing chronic winter shortages that affect up to 70% of the population.

In the past year, more than 13 million m³ of embankment material has been placed, including 3.5 million m³ of clay forming the dam’s impermeable core. Foundation and abutment stability has been enhanced by over 180,000 m of injections, creating a hydraulic curtain, while extensive concrete works have sealed and stabilised diversion and service tunnels.

A key step was the completion of a roller-compacted concrete (RCC) foundation pad, divided into eight blocks and containing around 290,000 m³ of RCC. This underpins the dam’s clay core and provides a watertight base across the Vakhsh River valley. River diversion through twin tunnels allowed work to proceed in dry conditions.

Material handling has been supported by an innovative suspended conveyor system capable of moving up to 3,000 tonnes of aggregate per hour. The 650 m-long belt, part of a 10 km transport network, delivers fill material efficiently to the embankment in a challenging mountain environment.

The construction site operates in extreme conditions, with harsh winters and summer storms testing logistics and durability. According to Webuild, such advances in placement, grouting and mass concrete demonstrate how technical innovation is helping deliver resilience and sustainability in hydropower megaprojects.

Alongside Rogun, Webuild is preparing for the inauguration of Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam this September and continues work on Snowy 2.0 in Australia, reaffirming its position as a global leader in dam and water infrastructure.

Rogun Dam: Key Concrete Figures

• Total embankment placed (past year): 13 million m³
• Clay core material: 3.5 million m³
• RCC foundation pad: 290,000 m³, cast in 8 blocks
• Grouting/injections: 180,000 linear metres
• Suspended conveyor capacity: 3,000 tonnes/hour
• Final dam height: 335 m – world record

Main picture caption:
The Rogun Dam in Tajikistan is on course to reach 335 m, supported by large-scale embankment, foundation and concrete works.