World Power Plants

Koepchenwerk153 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

Koepchenwerk, a notable hydro power generation facility in Germany, ranks as the 169th largest power plant in the country, boasting a capacity of 153 MW. This places it firmly within the top tier of renewable energy sources in a landscape where coal remains the dominant fuel. As the 15th largest hydro plant in Germany, Koepchenwerk plays a crucial role in the national energy mix, which totals 151,891 MW across 1483 plants. The facility's hydroelectric technology effectively converts the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity, contributing to the ongoing transition towards sustainable energy sources. Located near a cluster of significant coal-powered facilities, including the Gersteinwerk plant at 2004.5 MW and multiple coal stations like the Trianel Kohlekraftwerk Lünen and Herne power station, Koepchenwerk highlights the contrast between renewable and fossil fuel sources in the region. Despite its smaller capacity compared to its coal counterparts, Koepchenwerk accounts for approximately 0.10% of Germany's total energy output, emphasizing the importance of integrating renewable sources into a traditionally coal-heavy grid. Operated by RWE Power AG since its commissioning in 1989, the plant exemplifies the ongoing commitment to hydropower within Germany's energy policy. As the country continues its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency, Koepchenwerk's role will be pivotal in supporting a more balanced and sustainable energy future.

Capacity
153 MW
Commissioning Year
1989

37 years old

Owner
RWE Power AG
Location
51.4105°, 7.4531°

Germany, Europe

Context & rankings
  • 168. largest of 1,483 plants in Germany
  • #8,316 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,757 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.1% of the installed capacity of Germany
Age & fleet comparison

37 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

RWE Power AG operates 11 plants totalling 14,131 MW

Regional density

146 plants within 100 km, 33,906 MW combined

Nearest plant: Heizkraftwerk Hagen-Kabel (2.7 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 51.410500, 7.453100
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Koepchenwerk is a hydro power plant producing approximately 536 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
Germany
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

GermanyEnergy Profile

1,483
Total Plants
151.8 GW
Total Capacity
CoalGasNuclearHydro
Top Fuels

See Incorrect or Missing Data?

Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.