The following page lists the hydroelectric power stations that generate power using the conventional dammed method. This list includes power stations that are larger than 1,000 MW in maximum net capacity, and are currently operational or under construction. Those power stations that are smaller than 1,000 MW, or those that are only at a planning/proposal stage may be found in regional lists, listed at the end of the page.

The largest conventional hydroelectric power station is the Three Gorges Dam in China, currently rated at 18,200 MW in total installed capacity but planned to reach 22,500 MW in the future. After passing the 14,000 MW mark of the Itaipu Dam, the facility was ranked as the largest power-generating facility ever built. The dam is 181 m (594 ft) high, 2,335 m (7,661 ft) long and 115 m (377 ft) in width. Power is generated by 32 turbines rated at 700 MW, and two turbines rated 50 MW, which is used to power the facility itself. Construction of this dam commenced in 1994, and is expected to be completed by 2011, nearly two decades after it started.

This lists ranks the worlds conventional hydroelectric power stations that have an installed or under construction electric power generation capacity of at least 1,000 MW.