World Power Plants

Gariep Hydroelectric Power Station360 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

The Gariep Hydroelectric Power Station, positioned at coordinates -30.6260, 25.5040 in South Africa, is a cornerstone of the nation’s renewable energy strategy. With a robust capacity of 360 MW, this hydroelectric facility plays a crucial role in the energy generation mix of South Africa, contributing significantly to the grid operated by Eskom. Commissioned in the late 1990s, Gariep harnesses the power of the Gariep Dam, utilizing its water resources to generate clean electricity through a series of turbines. The use of hydroelectric technology not only supports the country’s quest for sustainable energy solutions but also aids in flood control and irrigation benefits for the surrounding areas. The strategic location of the Gariep facility allows it to leverage the natural flow of the Orange River, optimizing energy production during peak flow seasons. As South Africa grapples with energy supply challenges and seeks to diversify its energy sources, the Gariep Hydroelectric Power Station stands out as a reliable and efficient power generation facility. The ongoing energy policy initiatives aimed at increasing the share of renewables in the national energy portfolio further enhance the significance of Gariep, making it a pivotal player in the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

Capacity
360 MW
Commissioning Year
1971

55 years old

Owner
Eskom
Location
-30.6260°, 25.5040°

South Africa, Africa

Context & rankings
  • 30. largest of 232 plants in South Africa
  • #5,549 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #952 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.5% of the installed capacity of South Africa
Age & fleet comparison

55 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Eskom operates 53 plants totalling 61,395 MW

Regional density

8 plants within 100 km, 1,109 MW combined

Nearest plant: Dreunberg Power Plant (71.5 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: -30.625995, 25.503986
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Gariep Hydroelectric Power Station is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1261 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
South Africa
Continent
Africa
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

South AfricaEnergy Profile

232
Total Plants
71.9 GW
Total Capacity
CoalHydroSolarGas
Top Fuels

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