World Power Plants

Irapé399 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

The Irapé hydro power plant, situated in the heart of Brazil, plays a vital role in the country's energy generation landscape. Commissioned in 2006, this facility boasts a significant capacity of 399 MW, making it a crucial asset in Brazil's mix of renewable energy sources. The plant utilizes hydroelectric technology, leveraging the natural flow of water to generate electricity efficiently and sustainably. Located at coordinates -16.7381, -42.5747, the Irapé power plant is strategically positioned to harness the hydro resources of the region, contributing to the overall stability and sustainability of the local grid. Brazil is renowned for its commitment to renewable energy, and the Irapé plant exemplifies this by utilizing water as its primary energy source. The facility's hydroelectric technology is designed to maximize energy output while minimizing environmental impact, aligning with Brazil's national energy policy that emphasizes the need for clean and renewable energy solutions. As a significant contributor to the energy needs of the surrounding areas, the Irapé power plant supports both residential and commercial energy demands, ensuring a reliable and continuous supply of electricity. The plant is operated by Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais, a key player in Brazil's energy sector, known for its focus on sustainable practices and innovative energy solutions. The operational context of the Irapé plant is further enhanced by its integration into the national grid, which is one of the largest and most diverse in the world, primarily fueled by hydroelectric power. This not only reduces Brazil's carbon footprint but also strengthens energy security across the nation. Overall, the Irapé hydro power plant stands as a testament to Brazil's ongoing efforts to harness renewable energy resources, driving economic growth while preserving the environment.

Capacity
399 MW
Commissioning Year
2006

20 years old

Owner
CEMIG (Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais)
Location
-16.7381°, -42.5747°

Brazil, South America

Context & rankings
  • 110. largest of 2,402 plants in Brazil
  • #5,333 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #897 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.16% of the installed capacity of Brazil
Age & fleet comparison

20 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

CEMIG (Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais) operates 4 plants totalling 1,755 MW

Regional density

1 plants within 100 km, 399 MW combined

Nearest plant: Grafite Pedra Azul (159.9 km)

Location

Coordinates:: -16.738100, -42.574700
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Irapé is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1398 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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