World Power Plants

Paulo Afonso I180.001 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

Paulo Afonso I, a hydroelectric power generation facility in Brazil, holds the 195th rank among 2402 plants, making it a notable player in the country's energy sector. With a generation capacity of 180.001 MW, it contributes approximately 0.07% to Brazil's total installed capacity of 250,382 MW. Commissioned in 1964, this facility utilizes the gravitational force of falling water to produce electricity, embodying the clean energy values that Brazil champions. It is situated in a region rich with hydroelectric resources and is surrounded by several larger plants, including the massive Xingó Dam, which has a staggering capacity of 3162 MW. The proximity to such influential facilities, like Paulo Afonso IV at 2462.4 MW and Luiz Gonzaga Dam at 1479.6 MW, highlights the competitive nature of the hydro sector in this area, where the collective capacity significantly exceeds that of Paulo Afonso I. In Brazil, hydroelectric power dominates the energy profile, accounting for a substantial share of the national output, which emphasizes the importance of Paulo Afonso I in maintaining local energy stability. The plant's ranking as the 116th largest hydro facility indicates its historical significance, particularly in a country that has long depended on hydroelectricity for its energy needs. The Brazilian energy market continues to evolve, and with ongoing investments in renewable technologies, Paulo Afonso I stands as a vital component of the larger energy matrix. Its operational longevity reflects Brazil's commitment to leveraging its natural resources while also paving the way for future sustainability initiatives.

Capacity
180.001 MW
Commissioning Year
1964

62 years old

Owner
Companhia Hidro Elétrica do São Francisco (CHESF)
Location
-9.3984°, -38.2026°

Brazil, South America

Context & rankings
  • 195. largest of 2,402 plants in Brazil
  • #7,769 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,561 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.07% of the installed capacity of Brazil
Age & fleet comparison

62 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Companhia Hidro Elétrica do São Francisco (CHESF) operates 5 plants totalling 1,040 MW

Regional density

12 plants within 100 km, 13,473 MW combined

Nearest plant: Paulo Afonso IV (1.9 km)

Location

Coordinates:: -9.398400, -38.202600
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Paulo Afonso I is a hydro power plant producing approximately 631 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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