World Power Plants

Brilliant140 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

Brilliant power generation facility ranks as the 232nd largest in Canada, sharing its status with a significant cohort of 1,334 plants across the nation. This hydro facility, boasting a capacity of 140 MW, represents approximately 0.07% of the total national capacity of 193,190 MW, where hydroelectric power is the dominant source of energy. Managed by a partnership between Columbia Power and Columbia Basin Trust, Brilliant harnesses the power of flowing water through advanced turbine technology, providing a reliable and renewable energy source that is critical in supporting the local and national grid. Nestled within a region abundant in hydroelectric resources, Brilliant is in proximity to several larger hydro plants, including the Boundary facility at 1,118.6 MW, Seven Mile at 805 MW, and Kootenay Canal at 570 MW. This group of plants exemplifies the area's strong commitment to hydroelectric power, showcasing a robust energy cluster that maximizes the utilization of regional water resources. Compared to the average capacity of Canadian hydro plants, which is significantly influenced by larger facilities, Brilliant's output is competitive, maintaining its relevance in a sector where efficiency and sustainability are paramount. Despite being ranked 125th among 612 hydro plants in Canada, its contribution plays an essential part in the country's overall energy strategy, where hydroelectricity serves as a cornerstone of clean energy production. The commissioning of Brilliant in 2003 marked a significant step forward in enhancing local energy supply, and its ongoing operations are vital for meeting the energy needs of the surrounding communities. As Canada continues to focus on renewable energy sources, the importance of plants like Brilliant will only grow, contributing positively to both the economy and the environment, while supporting the transition to a low-carbon future.

Capacity
140 MW
Commissioning Year
2003

23 years old

Owner
Columbia Power (50%) / Columbia Basin Trust (50%)
Location
49.3249°, -117.6207°

Canada, North America

Context & rankings
  • 232. largest of 1,334 plants in Canada
  • #8,682 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,845 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.07% of the installed capacity of Canada
Age & fleet comparison

23 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Columbia Power (50%) / Columbia Basin Trust (50%) operates 3 plants totalling 445 MW

Regional density

21 plants within 100 km, 4,479 MW combined

Nearest plant: Zellstoff Celgar Mill (7.8 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 49.324900, -117.620700
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Brilliant is a hydro power plant producing approximately 491 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
Canada
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

CanadaEnergy Profile

1,334
Total Plants
193.2 GW
Total Capacity
HydroGasNuclearWind
Top Fuels

See Incorrect or Missing Data?

Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.