Ranked as the 190th largest power generation facility in Brazil, the Piratininga Power Plant holds a significant position in the country's diverse energy landscape. With a capacity of 190 MW, this oil-fired plant contributes 0.08% to Brazil's total installed capacity of 250,382 MW, which primarily relies on hydroelectric power. Commissioned in 1954, Piratininga is among the 622 oil plants in Brazil, placing it 7th in the national ranking for oil generation. The technology employed in this facility utilizes oil as a fuel source, showcasing a historical reliance on fossil fuels in a nation that is predominantly powered by renewable energy sources, especially hydro. In the regional context, the Piratininga Power Plant is surrounded by several significant plants, including the Henry Borden Hydro Power Plant with a capacity of 889 MW and the Usina Termoelétrica Piratininga, which also harnesses hydro power at 576 MW. Additionally, the area is home to several gas-fired facilities, such as the Piratininga Power Plant and Euzébio Rocha, both of which contribute to the local energy supply but with lower capacities compared to the hydro plants. This cluster of energy facilities underscores the importance of diverse fuel types in meeting regional demand. In the broader national context, Brazil's energy profile is dominated by hydroelectric power, which accounts for a substantial majority of the total capacity. As such, the Piratininga facility plays a niche role in ensuring energy security, especially during periods of low hydro generation. Operated by a consortium that has evolved over the decades, this plant represents a legacy of energy production that continues to adapt to changing energy policies and market dynamics. Looking ahead, the Piratininga Power Plant has the potential to play a crucial role in the transition towards more sustainable energy solutions, albeit as part of a larger framework that must increasingly prioritize renewable resources.
72 years old
Brazil, South America
- Primary Fuel Type
- Oil
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
Brazil- Continent
- South America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Oil power generation involves the combustion of oil to produce electricity. The process typically begins with the extraction and refining of crude oil, which is then burned in a power plant to create steam. This steam drives turbines connected to generators, converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Oil power plants can vary in design, including steam turbine plants, gas turbine plants, and combined cycle plants, which utilize both gas and steam turbines to enhance efficiency. As of now, there are 2,416 oil power plants worldwide, distributed across 108 countries, with a total installed capacity of 286.9 gigawatts (GW).
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