World Power Plants

Kraftwerk Naturns - Centrale idroelettrica Naturno180 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

Kraftwerk Naturns, also known as Centrale idroelettrica Naturno, occupies an important position as the 145th largest power generation facility in Italy, contributing a capacity of 180 MW to the national grid. This places it within the top tier of hydroelectric plants, ranked 32nd among 107 in the country. Commissioned in 1963, this hydroelectric power station utilizes the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity, aligning with Italy's commitment to renewable energy sources. With a share of 0.14% of Italy's total capacity of 131,053 MW, Kraftwerk Naturns exemplifies the transition towards cleaner energy production, particularly in a power profile where gas is the dominant fuel. Situated within a dynamic energy cluster in the region, Kraftwerk Naturns is surrounded by other hydroelectric facilities such as KW Kaunertal, which boasts a capacity of 392 MW, and several smaller plants like Wasserkraftwerk St. Florian and CENTRALE NATURNO, which are also significant contributors to local energy production. This collection of nearby plants illustrates a regional trend towards leveraging hydroelectric resources, enhancing grid stability and reliability in the face of fluctuating demand. Italy's energy profile, with 542 total plants, emphasizes the growing importance of diversifying energy sources. Gas dominates the fuel landscape, yet hydroelectric power is making strides in contributing to the overall capacity. Kraftwerk Naturns demonstrates the potential of hydroelectric generation to complement fossil fuels, reducing carbon footprints and environmental impacts. As an established facility under the stewardship of its operators since its commissioning, Kraftwerk Naturns has maintained its relevance in Italy's evolving energy sector. The focus on modernization and sustainable practices clearly reflects Italy's broader goals of achieving energy security and sustainability. The ongoing significance of Kraftwerk Naturns cannot be overstated, as it not only fulfills local energy needs but also signals a commitment to a greener future, vital in the context of global climate change initiatives.

Capacity
180 MW
Commissioning Year
1963

63 years old

Owner
Energie Südtirol - Alto Adige
Location
46.6518°, 10.9931°

Italy, Europe

Context & rankings
  • 146. largest of 542 plants in Italy
  • #7,773 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,562 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.14% of the installed capacity of Italy
Age & fleet comparison

63 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Energie Südtirol - Alto Adige operates 1 plants totalling 180 MW

Regional density

57 plants within 100 km, 10,778 MW combined

Nearest plant: CENTRALE NATURNO (1 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 46.651841, 10.993069
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Kraftwerk Naturns - Centrale idroelettrica Naturno is a hydro power plant producing approximately 631 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
Italy
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

ItalyEnergy Profile

542
Total Plants
131.1 GW
Total Capacity
GasHydroCoalOil
Top Fuels

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