La Guaca hydro power plant— 324 MW Hydroelectric
La Guaca hydro power plant, located in Colombia, plays a crucial role in the country's energy generation landscape. With a capacity of 324 MW, this hydroelectric facility has been operational since 1977, contributing significantly to the national grid. Situated at coordinates 4.5891° N latitude and -74.4598° W longitude, La Guaca benefits from Colombia's rich hydro resources, harnessing the power of flowing water to generate electricity through its dam-based technology. Hydro power is a key component of Colombia's energy mix, which relies heavily on renewable sources to meet its electricity demands. The plant's strategic location allows it to effectively support the local grid, ensuring a reliable supply of energy to surrounding communities. The Colombian government has been actively promoting renewable energy initiatives, and La Guaca stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. As part of a broader strategy to leverage its abundant water resources, La Guaca not only provides essential power generation but also helps stabilize the energy supply, especially during dry seasons when other sources may falter. The technical aspects of the hydroelectric technology employed at La Guaca are notable, as it utilizes a traditional dam system that channels water through turbines, converting kinetic energy into electrical power efficiently. This method is not only environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuels but also economically favorable in the long run, given the low operating costs associated with hydroelectric plants once established. La Guaca hydro power plant is thus a vital contributor to Colombia's renewable energy efforts, reflecting the nation's ongoing transition towards cleaner energy sources.
49 years old
Colombia, South America
- 43. largest of 127 plants in Colombia
- #5,840 worldwide by installed capacity
- #1,035 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
- 0.86% of the installed capacity of Colombia
49 years in operation
Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years
Isagen S.A. E.S.P. operates 3 plants totalling 660 MW
12 plants within 100 km, 1,077 MW combined
Nearest plant: Central hidroeléctrica Darío Valencia (3.4 km)
Source: Wikidata
Location
Zero Direct Emissions
La Guaca hydro power plant is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1135 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
Colombia- Continent
- South America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
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