World Power Plants

PRAGNERES189.2 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

PRAGNERES stands out as the 27th largest hydroelectric power generation facility in France, with a notable capacity of 189.2 MW. Situated in a region rich with natural water resources, this facility exemplifies France's robust commitment to renewable energy, particularly in the hydro sector. Commissioned as part of the country's expansive network of hydroelectric plants, PRAGNERES plays a vital role in balancing the energy grid while contributing to France’s overall energy security. Using advanced hydroelectric technology, PRAGNERES harnesses the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity efficiently. This method not only produces clean energy but also helps in managing water resources, making it an environmentally friendly option in the French energy portfolio. The facility's strategic placement along a waterway allows it to generate power consistently, particularly during high-flow periods. In the vicinity of PRAGNERES, several other hydro plants contribute to the regional energy landscape, including Artouste with 88 MW, BIESCAS II 1 at 61.4 MW, Soulom generating 57 MW, LANUZA 1 at 52.69 MW, and Louron producing 49.3 MW. This cluster of hydroelectric facilities underscores the importance of renewable sources in the region, providing a significant portion of the local and national energy supply. Each of these plants works in concert to create a reliable and sustainable energy network, further enhancing PRAGNERES' role in this context. France's energy profile comprises 2,195 total plants with a total capacity of 243,444 MW, with PRAGNERES accounting for 0.08% of the national capacity. While the country’s dominant fuel source remains nuclear, hydroelectric power is essential for diversifying the energy mix and providing cleaner alternatives. The French government’s commitment to renewable energy has propelled the growth of hydro facilities, highlighting PRAGNERES as a crucial component of this transition. As part of a broader initiative to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions, PRAGNERES not only aids in meeting current energy demands but also sets a precedent for future investments in hydroelectric technology. The increasing focus on renewable energy solutions positions PRAGNERES as a vital asset in the ongoing efforts to create a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape in France.

Capacity
189.2 MW
Commissioning Year
2000

26 years old

Owner
Compagnie Nationale du Rhône
Location
42.8210°, 0.0100°

France, Europe

Context & rankings
  • 94. largest of 2,195 plants in France
  • #7,662 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,523 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.1% of the installed capacity of France
Age & fleet comparison

26 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Compagnie Nationale du Rhône operates 34 plants totalling 1,159 MW

Regional density

100 plants within 100 km, 2,070 MW combined

Nearest plant: Luz-Saint-Sauveur (1.4 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 42.821000, 0.010000
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

PRAGNERES is a hydro power plant producing approximately 663 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
France
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

FranceEnergy Profile

2,195
Total Plants
192.2 GW
Total Capacity
NuclearHydroWindCoal
Top Fuels

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