World Power Plants

Boa Esperança (Antiga Castelo Branco)237.3 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

The Boa Esperança hydroelectric power plant, known as Antiga Castelo Branco, is a prominent facility in Brazil, ranked 163rd among 2,402 power generation facilities nationwide. With a capacity of 237.3 MW, it holds the distinction of being the 102nd largest hydro plant out of 720 in the country, underscoring its importance in Brazil's energy mix, which is predominantly hydroelectric. Commissioned in 1970, this facility utilizes the power of flowing water to generate electricity, a method that is both efficient and environmentally friendly. Interestingly, Boa Esperança is isolated in terms of nearby hydro facilities, as the only other plant within a 50 km radius is the Boa Esperança Hydroelectric Power Plant, which has the same capacity of 237.3 MW. This unique characteristic highlights the significance of the facility in its local context, where it may serve as a critical energy source for nearby communities. Representing 0.09% of Brazil's total capacity of 250,382 MW, Boa Esperança plays a vital role in maintaining energy stability in a country where hydroelectric power is the dominant fuel source. The operator has maintained this plant with a focus on sustainability and minimal environmental impact. As Brazil continues to push for renewable energy solutions, Boa Esperança serves as a compelling example of how hydroelectric power can effectively meet the energy needs of the population while also contributing to national energy security.

Capacity
237.3 MW
Commissioning Year
1970

56 years old

Owner
Eletrobras
Location
-6.7520°, -43.5641°

Brazil, South America

Context & rankings
  • 163. largest of 2,402 plants in Brazil
  • #6,888 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,325 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.09% of the installed capacity of Brazil
Age & fleet comparison

56 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Eletrobras operates 63 plants totalling 54,619 MW

Regional density

1 plants within 100 km, 237 MW combined

Location

Coordinates:: -6.752000, -43.564100
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Boa Esperança (Antiga Castelo Branco) is a hydro power plant producing approximately 831 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
Brazil
Continent
South America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

BrazilEnergy Profile

2,402
Total Plants
250.4 GW
Total Capacity
HydroGasBiomassWind
Top Fuels

See Incorrect or Missing Data?

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.