World Power Plants

Cheakamus/Squamish River Powerhouse157 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

Ranked as the 208th largest power generation facility in Canada, the Cheakamus/Squamish River Powerhouse holds a significant position within the country's extensive hydroelectric landscape. With a capacity of 157 MW, this plant contributes a modest 0.08% to Canada's total energy capacity of 193,190 MW, which is notably dominated by hydroelectric power. The facility employs state-of-the-art hydroelectric technology to harness the kinetic energy of water flowing through the Squamish River, producing clean and renewable energy that supports the regional grid. Located in proximity to several other notable plants, including the Cheakamus facility (158 MW), Mamquam (58 MW), and Ashlu Creek (49.9 MW), this powerhouse plays an essential role in a local energy cluster that emphasizes hydroelectric generation. Together, these plants contribute to the stability and reliability of power supply in British Columbia, an area rich in water resources and ideal for hydro development. The nearby Howe Sound Pulp & Paper Corp biomass plant (112 MW) further diversifies the energy mix, showcasing an integration of various renewable sources. Canada’s energy profile is heavily influenced by its hydroelectric capabilities, with 612 hydro plants collectively generating a significant portion of the nation's electricity. Cheakamus/Squamish River Powerhouse, under the ownership of BC Hydro, has been operational for several years, continuously providing sustainable energy since its commissioning. Looking forward, this facility not only reinforces the commitment to renewable energy in Canada but also has a positive environmental impact by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its operational reliability and capacity for growth symbolize a bright future for hydroelectric power in the region.

Capacity
157 MW
Commissioning Year
2000

26 years old

Owner
BC Hydro
Location
49.9336°, -123.2911°

Canada, North America

Context & rankings
  • 208. largest of 1,334 plants in Canada
  • #8,240 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,728 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.08% of the installed capacity of Canada
Age & fleet comparison

26 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

BC Hydro operates 50 plants totalling 16,766 MW

Regional density

55 plants within 100 km, 2,584 MW combined

Nearest plant: Ashlu Creek (3.2 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 49.933580, -123.291105
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Cheakamus/Squamish River Powerhouse is a hydro power plant producing approximately 550 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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