Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan

Living in Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan means dealing with a power station that dumps ash into a nearby lake and produces over 40% of the country's electricity. The town is home to the world's tallest chimney, standing at a staggering 419.7 meters, as well as the highest transmission voltage in the world at 1,150 kVAC. While the power station's operations are an impressive feat of engineering, the environmental impact and bureaucracy surrounding the facility are persistent headaches for residents. This coal-fueled city is best suited for those unfazed by industrial grit and a heavy regulatory burden.