World Power Plants

Cachoeira Caldeirão219 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

The Cachoeira Caldeirão hydroelectric power generation facility stands out as the 173rd largest power plant in Brazil, showcasing its role in a nation rich in hydropower resources. With a capacity of 219 MW, it accounts for approximately 0.09% of Brazil's total energy capacity, which reaches an impressive 250,382 MW across 2,402 plants. This facility is particularly notable, ranking as the 105th among the 720 hydro plants in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of hydroelectric power in the country’s energy matrix, where it serves as the dominant fuel source. Commissioned in 2016, Cachoeira Caldeirão employs state-of-the-art hydroelectric technology, harnessing the natural flow of water to generate electricity with minimal environmental impact compared to fossil fuels. The plant's operation is essential for maintaining a steady supply of power in a region that relies heavily on renewable energy sources, thereby contributing to Brazil's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Geographically, Cachoeira Caldeirão is situated in close proximity to other hydroelectric facilities, including Ferreira Gomes, which has a capacity of 252 MW, and Coaracy Nunes, with a capacity of 76.952 MW. This clustering of hydro plants within a 50 km radius not only strengthens the regional grid but also enhances energy reliability and efficiency. By leveraging multiple hydro sources, the area can better manage fluctuations in demand and supply, ensuring that the local population has access to consistent electricity. In the broader context of Brazil's energy profile, hydroelectric power dominates the landscape, accounting for a significant majority of the total capacity. The Cachoeira Caldeirão facility, while a smaller contributor in terms of percentage share, plays a key role in this renewable energy framework. As Brazil continues to invest in sustainable energy solutions, the importance of hydro plants like Cachoeira Caldeirão will only grow, reflecting the country’s dedication to harnessing its vast water resources for clean energy. Operated by a consortium that emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship, Cachoeira Caldeirão represents a forward-looking approach to energy production. Its relatively recent commissioning positions it well to adapt and integrate future technologies, potentially enhancing its efficiency and output. As Brazil navigates the challenges of energy demand and environmental sustainability, the Cachoeira Caldeirão facility will remain a critical component of the nation's energy future.

Capacity
219 MW
Commissioning Year
2016

10 years old

Owner
Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (CEMIG)
Location
0.8533°, -51.2917°

Brazil, South America

Context & rankings
  • 173. largest of 2,402 plants in Brazil
  • #7,127 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,393 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.09% of the installed capacity of Brazil
Age & fleet comparison

10 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (CEMIG) operates 120 plants totalling 9,477 MW

Regional density

6 plants within 100 km, 535 MW combined

Nearest plant: Coaracy Nunes (6.6 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 0.853300, -51.291700
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Cachoeira Caldeirão is a hydro power plant producing approximately 767 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

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