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
- Primary Fuel Type
- Coal
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
Argentina- Continent
- South America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Coal has long been a cornerstone of electricity generation worldwide, with a significant presence in the global energy landscape. As of recent data, there are approximately 2,608 coal power plants operating across 74 countries, boasting a total installed capacity of 2,257.3 gigawatts (GW). The leading nations in coal power generation include China, with 1,018 plants generating 1,038.0 GW, India with 287 plants at 253.3 GW, and the United States with 291 plants producing 252.0 GW. Other notable contributors include Germany and Japan, with 130 plants and 76.8 GW, and 61 plants and 63.9 GW, respectively. This widespread utilization reflects the essential role coal has played in the development of industrial and residential power systems globally.
Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.