The purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation, flood control and navigation.

The dam's power stations contain five generators for a total installed capacity of 1,130 MW.

Construction on the dam began in 1970, the first generator was operational in 1979 and the remaining original two in 1983.

Because the dam sits on a karst (soluble) foundation, a deep and high pressure grout curtain was applied, stretching 1,020 m (3,346 ft) long and 200 m (656 ft) deep.

The dam's power station sits at its middle base and contains the original 3 x 210 MW generators.