World Power Plants

ABANICO136 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

The ABANICO hydroelectric power generation facility holds the position of the 63rd largest plant in Chile, contributing a capacity of 136 MW to the national grid. In the context of hydroelectric power, it ranks 29th out of 143 hydro plants, reflecting its significant role in a country where hydroelectricity is the dominant fuel source, accounting for a substantial portion of Chile's total capacity of 31,543 MW. With its output representing 0.43% of the national capacity, ABANICO plays a vital role in supporting the renewable energy goals of Chile, which is renowned for its mountainous terrain and abundant water resources. Utilizing advanced hydroelectric technology, ABANICO harnesses the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity efficiently. This process not only provides a reliable energy source but also minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. The facility's design focuses on optimizing water flow and energy conversion, ensuring that it operates at peak efficiency while contributing to the stability of the national grid. Situated in a region rich with hydroelectric infrastructure, ABANICO is in proximity to several other notable plants, including the El Toro Hydroelectric Plant and the Angostura facility, each boasting capacities of 450 MW and 324 MW, respectively. This clustering of hydro plants underscores the significance of the area as a renewable energy hub and highlights the interconnectivity of this energy network, allowing for shared resources and enhanced grid reliability. Chile's energy profile is characterized by a strong reliance on hydroelectric power, which provides a renewable and sustainable energy source. Given that there are 383 total plants in the country, the average capacity stands at approximately 82 MW per facility. ABANICO, therefore, contributes significantly to exceeding this average, showcasing its importance in bolstering Chile's energy independence and sustainability efforts. Operated by ENDESA, ABANICO has been a reliable component of the Chilean energy landscape since its inception. As the country continues to pursue ambitious renewable energy targets, the significance of hydroelectric facilities like ABANICO will only grow. The plant's operations are poised to have lasting economic and environmental impacts, contributing to job creation, energy security, and the promotion of clean energy technologies in the region.

Capacity
136 MW
Commissioning Year
2001

25 years old

Owner
ENDESA
Location
-37.3646°, -71.4894°

Chile, South America

Context & rankings
  • 63. largest of 383 plants in Chile
  • #8,810 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,885 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.43% of the installed capacity of Chile
Age & fleet comparison

25 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

ENDESA operates 18 plants totalling 4,347 MW

Regional density

34 plants within 100 km, 5,886 MW combined

Nearest plant: EL TORO (7.9 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: -37.364600, -71.489400
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

ABANICO is a hydro power plant producing approximately 477 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
Chile
Continent
South America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

ChileEnergy Profile

383
Total Plants
31.5 GW
Total Capacity
HydroGasCoalSolar
Top Fuels

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