San Giacomo hydroelectric power station— 490 MW Hydroelectric
The San Giacomo hydroelectric power station is a significant contributor to Italy's energy generation framework, playing a crucial role in harnessing renewable resources to meet the country's energy demands. This hydroelectric facility, operated by Enel, boasts a capacity of 490 MW, positioning it among the larger renewable energy sources in the region. Utilizing the natural flow of water, the San Giacomo station employs advanced hydroelectric technology, converting kinetic energy from the river into electrical energy. Its operational capabilities not only supply power but also contribute to the stability of the national grid, particularly in times of peak demand. Located at coordinates 42.5378 latitude and 13.5564 longitude, the San Giacomo power plant is situated in the Abruzzo region, an area characterized by its mountainous terrain and abundant water resources. This geographic advantage allows the facility to efficiently generate energy while minimizing environmental impact. As Italy continues to transition towards a greener energy mix, the importance of hydroelectric plants like San Giacomo cannot be overstated. They help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the European Union’s ambitious climate goals. Enel, the operator, is one of the largest utility companies in Europe, recognized for its commitment to sustainable energy practices. With a strong focus on renewable energy sources, Enel has been instrumental in driving Italy's energy transition. The San Giacomo hydroelectric power station not only supports the national grid but also enhances local energy security, providing a reliable source of power to the surrounding communities. In the context of Italy's energy policy, the San Giacomo facility exemplifies the country's efforts to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. The government has set ambitious targets for carbon neutrality, which necessitate a significant expansion of renewable infrastructure. The operational success of the San Giacomo hydroelectric power station reflects the potential of hydroelectric technology to meet these targets while also providing economic benefits through job creation and energy independence. As a key player in Italy's hydroelectric landscape, the San Giacomo power station stands as a testament to the effectiveness of renewable energy in shaping a sustainable future.
24 years old
Italy, Europe
- 93. largest of 542 plants in Italy
- #4,719 worldwide by installed capacity
- #745 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
- 0.37% of the installed capacity of Italy
24 years in operation
Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years
Enel operates 62 plants totalling 41,422 MW
33 plants within 100 km, 4,462 MW combined
Source: Wikidata
Location
Zero Direct Emissions
San Giacomo hydroelectric power station is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1717 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
San Giacomo Hydroelectric Power Station: A Key Player in Italy's Renewable Energy Landscape
The San Giacomo hydroelectric power station, located in Italy, is a significant contributor to the country's renewable energy sector with a capacity of 490 megawatts (MW). Owned by Enel, one of the world's leading energy companies, the power station harnesses the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity, underscoring the importance of hydroelectric power as a clean and sustainable energy source in Italy's energy mix.
Hydropower is a renewable energy source that utilizes the energy of moving water to produce electricity. At the San Giacomo facility, water from rivers is channeled through turbines, which convert the hydraulic energy into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then transformed into electrical energy by generators. The power plant operates on the principle of gravitational potential energy, where water stored at a height is released to flow downward, creating a force that drives the turbines. As a result, hydroelectric power stations like San Giacomo have minimal operational costs once established and produce no direct emissions during electricity generation, making them environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels.
In the context of Italy's energy sector, the San Giacomo hydroelectric power station plays a vital role in promoting energy security and sustainability. Italy has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in its overall energy consumption. The San Giacomo facility contributes significantly to these goals by providing a reliable and constant source of clean energy, helping to offset the reliance on fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, hydroelectric power can serve as a balancing power source, complementing the intermittency of other renewable sources such as wind and solar energy.
The environmental impact of the San Giacomo hydroelectric power station is generally favorable compared to fossil fuel-based power generation. However, like all hydropower projects, it is essential to consider potential ecological consequences, such as alterations to local ecosystems, fish migration patterns, and water quality. Enel has undertaken efforts to mitigate these impacts through environmental management practices and maintaining ecological balance in the surrounding areas.
Regionally, the San Giacomo hydroelectric power station holds significance not only for its energy output but also for its contribution to local economic development. The facility provides jobs during both its construction and operational phases, supporting the local economy. Furthermore, it helps stabilize electricity prices in the region and ensures a steady supply of energy to meet the demands of residential and industrial consumers.
In conclusion, the San Giacomo hydroelectric power station stands as a testament to Italy's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. Its capacity of 490 MW positions it as a key player in the national energy landscape, supporting environmental goals while fostering regional economic growth.
Nearby Power Plants
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.