World Power Plants

As the 22nd largest power generation facility in Switzerland, the Gordola hydroelectric plant holds a notable position within the nation’s extensive energy network. With an output capacity of 132.5 MW, it ranks 18th among Switzerland's 162 hydro plants, contributing 1.00% to the country’s total energy capacity of 13,281 MW, which is primarily dominated by hydroelectric sources. Located at coordinates 46.1825, 8.8573, Gordola utilizes innovative hydro technology to transform the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity, reinforcing Switzerland's commitment to renewable energy production. Gordola is situated within a highly concentrated hydroelectric region, surrounded by a number of other significant plants, including the Roncovalgrande Hydroelectric Plant with an impressive capacity of 1,000 MW, and several others like Biasca (324 MW), Biaschina (141 MW), Bavona (140 MW), and Verbano 1 (119 MW). This cluster of hydro facilities highlights the collaborative nature of energy production in the region, where multiple plants work together to ensure a stable and reliable supply of electricity to the grid. In Switzerland’s energy landscape, which comprises 168 total plants, the dominance of hydroelectric power is a defining feature. Gordola’s contribution is vital within this context, as it helps to balance the grid and provide energy during peak demand periods. Commissioned in 1965, the plant has been a steadfast contributor to the energy needs of the region for decades. The operational longevity and efficiency of Gordola position it as a critical player in Switzerland's energy future. As the global focus shifts towards sustainability, the role of hydroelectric plants like Gordola becomes increasingly significant, as they provide not only renewable energy but also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, aiding in the fight against climate change.

Capacity
132.5 MW
Commissioning Year
1965

61 years old

Owner
Axpo Holding AG
Location
46.1825°, 8.8573°

Switzerland, Europe

Context & rankings
  • 22. largest of 168 plants in Switzerland
  • #8,908 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,912 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 1% of the installed capacity of Switzerland
Age & fleet comparison

61 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Axpo Holding AG operates 19 plants totalling 2,462 MW

Regional density

120 plants within 100 km, 15,174 MW combined

Nearest plant: Tenero-Centrale di dotazione (0.5 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 46.182500, 8.857300
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Gordola is a hydro power plant producing approximately 464 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
Switzerland
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

SwitzerlandEnergy Profile

168
Total Plants
13.3 GW
Total Capacity
HydroNuclearSolar
Top Fuels

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