World Power Plants

Búrfell270 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

Búrfell is a hydroelectric power plant located in Iceland at coordinates 64.1052° N and 19.8335° W. As a facility owned and operated by Landsvirkjun, Búrfell plays a crucial role in Iceland's energy generation landscape, boasting a capacity of 270 MW. This hydroelectric plant utilizes the natural flow of water, harnessing the energy of rivers and waterfalls to produce electricity. The technology employed at Búrfell involves advanced turbine systems that efficiently convert hydraulic energy into electrical energy, making it an exemplary model of renewable energy generation. The significance of Búrfell extends beyond its generation capacity; it is an integral part of Iceland's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. Positioned in a region rich in natural resources, the plant contributes to the local grid and supports Iceland's goal of utilizing 100% renewable energy. The operational context of Búrfell reflects the country’s energy policies that favor clean energy solutions, ensuring that both residents and industries benefit from stable and reliable electricity. With its long-standing history since its commissioning in 1969, Búrfell continues to be a vital asset in Iceland's pursuit of energy independence and environmental stewardship.

Capacity
270 MW
Commissioning Year
1969

57 years old

Owner
Landsvirkjun
Location
64.1052°, -19.8335°

Iceland, Europe

Context & rankings
  • 2. largest of 20 plants in Iceland
  • #6,416 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,183 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 10.87% of the installed capacity of Iceland
Age & fleet comparison

57 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Landsvirkjun operates 13 plants totalling 1,791 MW

Regional density

9 plants within 100 km, 874 MW combined

Nearest plant: Sultartangi (12.4 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 64.105200, -19.833500
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Búrfell is a hydro power plant producing approximately 946 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
Iceland
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

IcelandEnergy Profile

20
Total Plants
2.5 GW
Total Capacity
HydroGeothermal
Top Fuels

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