World Power Plants

Centrale de Chute-à-Caron222 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

As the 157th largest power generation facility in Canada, Centrale de Chute-à-Caron holds a significant place in the nation's energy landscape, contributing 222 MW of hydroelectric power. This facility represents a mere 0.11% of Canada's total capacity, which stands at an impressive 193,190 MW distributed across 1,334 plants. Located in the heart of Quebec, Chute-à-Caron ranks as the 87th largest hydro facility among 612 hydro plants in the country. The hydroelectric generation technology employed here harnesses the kinetic energy of flowing water, showcasing Canada's commitment to renewable energy sources. Situated within a 50-kilometer radius are several notable hydro plants, including Shipshaw, with a substantial capacity of 959.1 MW, and Isle-Maligne at 463.8 MW, highlighting the regional focus on hydroelectric power. These neighboring facilities create a robust energy cluster that helps stabilize the grid and meet the regional demand for electricity. In contrast, Chute-à-Caron's relatively smaller capacity underscores its role as part of a larger network of hydroelectric resources, collectively driving Quebec toward its renewable energy goals. Canada's energy profile is heavily dominated by hydroelectric power, owing to its vast water resources and favorable geography. The country's strategy has placed a strong emphasis on clean energy, and Chute-à-Caron plays a vital role in this transition by contributing to the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The operator, Rio Tinto Alcan, has been instrumental in advancing sustainable practices in energy generation, ensuring that the plant meets both regulatory standards and environmental expectations. Looking ahead, Centrale de Chute-à-Caron is poised to further enhance its contribution to Canada's energy mix. As the country shifts towards a more sustainable energy landscape, this facility not only supports local power needs but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change. The emphasis on hydroelectric power generation, as demonstrated by Chute-à-Caron and its neighboring plants, is a testament to Canada's leadership in renewable energy.

Capacity
222 MW
Commissioning Year
2009

17 years old

Owner
Rio Tinto Alcan
Location
48.4506°, -71.2538°

Canada, North America

Context & rankings
  • 157. largest of 1,334 plants in Canada
  • #7,058 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,366 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.11% of the installed capacity of Canada
Age & fleet comparison

17 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Rio Tinto Alcan operates 6 plants totalling 2,328 MW

Regional density

28 plants within 100 km, 3,601 MW combined

Nearest plant: Bésy (1.3 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 48.450648, -71.253801
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Centrale de Chute-à-Caron is a hydro power plant producing approximately 778 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

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