World Power Plants

São Salvador243.2 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

The São Salvador hydroelectric power generation facility occupies an essential position in Brazil's energy matrix, ranking as the 161st largest facility among 2,402 plants in the country. With a capacity of 243.2 MW, it contributes 0.10% to Brazil's total installed capacity of 250,382 MW. Commissioned in 2009, this hydro plant exemplifies Brazil's dominance in renewable energy production, particularly as hydroelectric power constitutes the backbone of the nation's energy supply. The facility's generation technology harnesses the power of flowing water, converting it into clean, renewable energy, thereby minimizing environmental impact while maximizing efficiency. What makes São Salvador particularly noteworthy is its isolated location; there are no other power generation facilities within a 50 km radius. This geographic feature underscores its importance as a standalone source of hydroelectric power in the region, allowing it to operate independently while contributing to local energy demands. The absence of nearby plants enhances its role in ensuring grid stability and reliability, especially during peak demand periods. Brazil’s energy profile is heavily skewed towards renewable sources, with hydroelectric power being the dominant fuel type. This context situates São Salvador as a critical component of the national energy landscape, ensuring that Brazil remains a leader in sustainable energy practices. Although its share of the national capacity is relatively small, the strategic importance of hydroelectric facilities cannot be overstated, particularly as the country continues to rely on renewable energy to meet its environmental targets. As Brazil strives to balance energy supply with environmental stewardship, the São Salvador facility represents a significant investment in renewable infrastructure. Its operator's commitment to sustainability aligns with national goals, paving the way for further developments in clean energy. Looking forward, the facility's role is likely to expand as Brazil continues to innovate in hydroelectric technologies, reinforcing its commitment to a greener future.

Capacity
243.2 MW
Commissioning Year
2009

17 years old

Owner
Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (CEMIG)
Location
-12.8098°, -48.2393°

Brazil, South America

Context & rankings
  • 161. largest of 2,402 plants in Brazil
  • #6,780 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,268 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.1% of the installed capacity of Brazil
Age & fleet comparison

17 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

2 plants within 100 km, 949 MW combined

Nearest plant: Peixe Angical (65.3 km)

Location

Coordinates:: -12.809800, -48.239300
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

São Salvador is a hydro power plant producing approximately 852 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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