Large grid demand
The total electrical power required by all users connected to a large electricity grid at a given moment.
How big is it?
40 GW · power
Power · example
A little perspective
Large grid demand vs Three Gorges Dam rated output: power comparison
The demand on a large electricity grid is about 1.78 times the rated output of the Three Gorges Dam.
ENERGY EACH SECOND
The total electrical power required by all users connected to a large electricity grid at a given moment.
Three Gorges Dam rated output is the maximum electrical power the dam's generators are designed to produce.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Large grid demand
Power: 40 GW; example.
A defined 40 GW power snapshot, not a claim about a named country or current demand.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked power is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Three Gorges Dam rated output
Installed generating capacity: 22.5 GW; specified.
The Three Gorges hydropower station has 22.5 GW installed generating capacity. Actual output varies with water and operating conditions.
China Three Gorges Corporation — Three Gorges Project
The marked installed generating capacity is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
Change your perspective
Put it next to…
Choose a suggestion to redraw the comparison, or open its page to learn what it is.
Why this measurement?
Why we use 40 GW
We compare the demand on a large electricity grid. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same.
A defined 40 GW power snapshot, not a claim about a named country or current demand.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 GW | Not recorded | example |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valuePower and outputThree Gorges Dam rated output22.5 GWInstalled generating capacityThree Gorges Dam rated output is the maximum electrical power the dam's generators are designed to produce.
Nearest higher valuePower and outputSaturn V liftoff propulsive power190 GWDefined thrust-power scaleSaturn V liftoff propulsive power is the rate at which the Saturn V rocket’s engines converted fuel energy into thrust during launch.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
PowerLED bulb9 WThe electrical power drawn by a light-emitting diode lamp used for illumination.
PowerElectric kettle3 kWThe electrical power used by an electric kettle to heat water.
PowerWind turbine5 MWThe rated electrical power output of a wind-driven generator.
SpaceSun1,391,000 kmThe Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System.PowerThree Gorges Dam rated output22.5 GWThree Gorges Dam rated output is the maximum electrical power the dam's generators are designed to produce.
PowerItaipu Dam rated output14 GWItaipu Dam rated output is the maximum electrical power the Itaipu hydroelectric dam is designed to generate under standard conditions.
PowerSpace Shuttle main engine thermal power12 GWSpace Shuttle main engine thermal power is the rate at which heat energy is produced by the engine's combustion during operation.PowerSaturn V liftoff propulsive power190 GWSaturn V liftoff propulsive power is the rate at which the Saturn V rocket’s engines converted fuel energy into thrust during launch.