World Power Plants

Witznau220 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

Ranked as the 136th largest power generation facility in Germany, Witznau holds significant importance within the country's energy framework. This hydroelectric plant, commissioned in 1943, boasts a capacity of 220 MW, making it the 11th largest hydro facility among 131 such plants in the nation. Despite its relatively modest share of 0.14% of Germany's total capacity, which stands at a staggering 151,891 MW, Witznau plays a vital role in the regional energy landscape. The plant utilizes hydroelectric technology, harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity, a method that has stood the test of time since its inception. Located in the Black Forest region, Witznau is part of a network of nearby power generation facilities, notably including the Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt nuclear facility with a capacity of 1245 MW, and the Wehr hydro plant, which produces 910 MW. This clustering of diverse energy sources highlights the importance of a balanced energy mix in the region. The presence of multiple nuclear plants, such as Kernkraftwerk Gösgen and Beznau, provides a stark contrast to Witznau's renewable energy approach. The comparative analysis shows that while Witznau contributes a fraction of the total energy output in Germany, its role in promoting sustainable energy solutions cannot be overlooked. With coal dominating the national energy profile, the significance of hydroelectric generation, albeit small, is crucial for diversifying energy sources and reducing carbon emissions. Operated by Schluchseewerk Aktiengesellschaft, Witznau's long-standing operation underscores the reliability of hydroelectric power in Germany's energy mix. As the country transitions toward greener energy solutions, facilities like Witznau are essential in laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future.

Capacity
220 MW
Commissioning Year
1943

83 years old

Owner
Schluchseewerk Aktiengesellschaft
Location
47.6879°, 8.2516°

Germany, Europe

Context & rankings
  • 136. largest of 1,483 plants in Germany
  • #7,068 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,368 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.14% of the installed capacity of Germany
Age & fleet comparison

83 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Schluchseewerk Aktiengesellschaft operates 5 plants totalling 1,740 MW

Regional density

112 plants within 100 km, 11,605 MW combined

Nearest plant: Klingnau (8.8 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 47.687900, 8.251600
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Witznau is a hydro power plant producing approximately 771 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

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