World Power Plants

Vanderkloof Hydroelectric Power Station240 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

The Vanderkloof Hydroelectric Power Station represents a significant asset in South Africa's energy infrastructure, with a capacity of 240 MW, ranking it 36th among the country's 232 power generation facilities. This hydroelectric plant is notable for being the ninth largest in the hydro category, contributing approximately 0.33% to the national total capacity of 71,899 MW. Operated by Eskom, Vanderkloof employs a traditional hydroelectric generation technology that harnesses the power of flowing water to generate electricity, highlighting the renewable aspect of the country's energy portfolio. The plant is strategically located near other hydro facilities, including the Vanderkloof Dam, which also has a capacity of 240 MW. This clustering of hydro power plants indicates a regional focus on renewable energy and underscores the importance of water resources in South Africa's energy strategy. While coal remains the dominant fuel in the country, the Vanderkloof Hydroelectric Power Station exemplifies a shift towards diversifying energy sources. As South Africa grapples with energy supply challenges, the role of hydroelectric power becomes increasingly critical in providing a reliable and sustainable energy supply. Looking forward, Vanderkloof's contribution to the grid will be essential as the nation continues to pursue its renewable energy targets, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Capacity
240 MW
Commissioning Year
1977

49 years old

Owner
Eskom
Location
-29.9936°, 24.7301°

South Africa, Africa

Context & rankings
  • 36. largest of 232 plants in South Africa
  • #6,803 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,273 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.33% of the installed capacity of South Africa
Age & fleet comparison

49 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Eskom operates 53 plants totalling 61,395 MW

Regional density

13 plants within 100 km, 1,231 MW combined

Nearest plant: Kalkbult (60 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: -29.993613, 24.730060
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Vanderkloof Hydroelectric Power Station is a hydro power plant producing approximately 841 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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