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.
62 years old
Brazil, South America
- 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
62 years in operation
Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years
Companhia Hidro Elétrica do São Francisco (CHESF) operates 5 plants totalling 1,040 MW
12 plants within 100 km, 13,473 MW combined
Location
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
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