Cowans Ford— 350 MW Hydroelectric
Cowans Ford is a hydroelectric power plant situated in the United States of America, specifically at coordinates 35.4346, -80.9588. With a capacity of 350 MW, it plays a pivotal role in the energy generation landscape of North Carolina. Operated by Duke Energy Carolinas LLC, this facility was commissioned in 1964 and utilizes the natural flow of water to generate electricity, making it a renewable energy source that contributes to the overall sustainability of the region's power supply. The hydro technology employed at Cowans Ford allows for efficient and environmentally friendly generation, harnessing the energy of the Catawba River. This facility is particularly important for balancing the local grid, providing peak power during high-demand periods and helping to stabilize the energy supply. As part of the broader energy policy framework in the United States, Cowans Ford exemplifies the nation's commitment to increasing renewable energy capacity while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its long-standing operation and significant capacity make it a cornerstone of renewable energy generation in the Carolinas.
62 years old
United States of America, North America
- 1,048. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
- #5,633 worldwide by installed capacity
- #987 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
- 0.02% of the installed capacity of United States of America
62 years in operation
Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years
Duke Energy Carolinas LLC operates 43 plants totalling 24,099 MW
184 plants within 100 km, 22,929 MW combined
Location
Zero Direct Emissions
Cowans Ford is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1226 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
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
United States of America — Energy Profile
Nearby Power Plants
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