World Power Plants

Chute-à-Caron224 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

Ranked as the 156th largest power generation facility in Canada, Chute-à-Caron stands out as a significant contributor to the country's robust hydroelectric landscape. With a capacity of 224 MW, this facility is an important part of the regional energy matrix, particularly in a country where hydro power dominates. Chute-à-Caron is the 86th largest hydro plant out of 612 in Canada, representing a modest 0.12% share of the national capacity of 193,190 MW. This places it within a network of hydro facilities that collectively harness the vast water resources of the region. Technologically, Chute-à-Caron utilizes advanced hydroelectric generation methods to convert the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity, a process that is both efficient and environmentally sustainable. Located near several other significant hydro plants, including Shipshaw (959.1 MW), Isle-Maligne (463.8 MW), and Centrale d'Isle Maligne (448 MW), Chute-à-Caron contributes to a concentrated energy hub in the area. This proximity to larger facilities allows for a collaborative approach to energy generation and grid stability in the region, which is essential for meeting local demand and ensuring reliable power supply. Canada's energy profile is heavily tilted towards hydroelectric sources, reflecting the country's commitment to renewable energy. The dominance of hydro over other fuels not only highlights the natural advantages of the geography but also underscores the importance of plants like Chute-à-Caron in achieving national sustainability goals. Operated by Rio Tinto, Chute-à-Caron has been part of the Canadian energy landscape for years, ensuring that it plays a vital role in both local economies and the broader national energy framework. Looking ahead, the significance of Chute-à-Caron extends beyond mere capacity; it is a key player in promoting renewable energy sources in Canada, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions while fostering economic growth through job creation and energy security.

Capacity
224 MW
Commissioning Year
1969

57 years old

Owner
Rio Tinto (Rt)
Location
48.4506°, -71.2536°

Canada, North America

Context & rankings
  • 156. largest of 1,334 plants in Canada
  • #7,037 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,358 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.12% of the installed capacity of Canada
Age & fleet comparison

57 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Rio Tinto (Rt) operates 3 plants totalling 1,647 MW

Regional density

28 plants within 100 km, 3,599 MW combined

Nearest plant: Bésy (1.3 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 48.450600, -71.253600
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Chute-à-Caron is a hydro power plant producing approximately 785 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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