World Power Plants

Gecelca power station164 MW Coal

Coal

Gecelca power station occupies a notable position as the 68th largest power generation facility in Colombia, contributing a capacity of 164 MW to the national grid. This facility ranks as the 6th largest among the six coal plants in the country, which is particularly significant given Colombia's predominance of hydroelectric power generation. Commissioned in 2016 and operated by Gecelca SAESP, Gecelca power station generates approximately 0.44% of Colombia's total capacity of 37,499 MW across 127 plants. While the country’s energy profile is characterized by a strong reliance on renewable hydro resources, Gecelca's coal-based generation reflects a diverse energy mix necessary for meeting fluctuating demand. Located near the Gecelca 3 gas facility, which boasts a more substantial capacity of 437 MW, Gecelca's presence contributes to a balanced energy distribution in the region. This proximity to both coal and gas plants enhances the reliability of energy supply, especially during periods of low hydroelectric generation. Operating in an environment where hydroelectricity dominates, Gecelca power station's role is vital for ensuring energy security and stability. As Colombia continues to navigate its energy transition, Gecelca's modernization efforts and operational efficiency will be essential in supporting the national grid while maintaining a commitment to sustainable practices.

Capacity
164 MW
Commissioning Year
2016

10 years old

Owner
Gecelca SAESP
Location
7.9911°, -75.5946°

Colombia, South America

Context & rankings
  • 68. largest of 127 plants in Colombia
  • #8,095 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,202 of 2,793 Coal plants worldwide
  • 0.44% of the installed capacity of Colombia
Age & fleet comparison

10 years in operation

Coal fleet average: 29.2 years

Operator portfolio

Gecelca SAESP operates 2 plants totalling 494 MW

Regional density

5 plants within 100 km, 3,541 MW combined

Nearest plant: CHE Urrá (67.3 km)

Data provenance

Source: GCPT

Location

Coordinates:: 7.991100, -75.594600
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
647.9 Kt
790 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
6.48 Mt
Over 10 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2056
30 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
140.9K
cars per year
86.4K
homes per year
29.5M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Coal emission factor (820 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (55%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Coal
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
Colombia
Continent
South America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

ColombiaEnergy Profile

127
Total Plants
37.5 GW
Total Capacity
HydroGasCoalOil
Top Fuels

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