The PILAR ZANICHELLI power generation facility, with a capacity of 216 MW, ranks as the 82nd largest power plant in Argentina, a country home to 368 total plants. This coal-fired plant, commissioned in 1971, represents a significant but small share of the national energy capacity at just 0.31%. With Argentina's energy profile heavily dominated by hydroelectric power, which comprises a majority of its 70,213 MW total capacity, PILAR ZANICHELLI is one of the few coal plants, holding the 9th position among 11 coal facilities in the country. Located in a region rich in diverse energy resources, PILAR ZANICHELLI is surrounded by several notable plants that enhance the local energy landscape. Within a 50 km range, the facility is flanked by the impressive PIEDRA DEL AGUILA hydro plant, boasting a capacity of 1400 MW, and gas plants like PILAR BICENTENARIO (467 MW) and SUDOESTE (140 MW). This proximity to a variety of fuel types allows for a balanced energy mix that is crucial for maintaining grid stability and reliability, especially in a country where hydro plays such an outsized role. While PILAR ZANICHELLI's contribution to the national grid is modest, its operational history as a coal facility underscores the transitional challenges facing Argentina's energy sector. As the nation strives to shift towards more sustainable sources, the presence of this plant highlights the ongoing reliance on traditional energy forms while also showcasing the potential for integrating newer technologies in the future. Operated by EPEC, PILAR ZANICHELLI has weathered decades of energy demands and economic fluctuations, illustrating the need for a robust and varied energy portfolio. As Argentina continues to develop its energy resources, the facility's legacy may pave the way for a more diversified approach to energy generation. In conclusion, the significance of PILAR ZANICHELLI extends beyond its physical capacity; it reflects the broader narrative of Argentina's energy evolution. The ongoing dialogue around energy transition will inevitably shape the future of coal plants like this one, emphasizing their role in a rapidly changing global energy landscape.
55 years old
Argentina, South America
- 82. largest of 368 plants in Argentina
- #7,154 worldwide by installed capacity
- #2,077 of 2,793 Coal plants worldwide
- 0.31% of the installed capacity of Argentina
55 years in operation
Coal fleet average: 29.2 years
EPEC operates 28 plants totalling 2,983 MW
31 plants within 100 km, 6,592 MW combined
Nearest plant: Central térmica Ingeniero Francisco Bazan (44.4 km)
Source: Ministerio de Energía y Minería
Location
Estimates based on Coal emission factor (820 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (55%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Coal
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
Argentina- Continent
- South America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Nearby Power Plants
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