World Power Plants

Hawks Nest Hydro102 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Jul 2026

Hawks Nest Hydro is a 102 MW hydroelectric power plant located in the United States of America, operated by Hawks Nest Hydro LLC since its commissioning in 1936. The facility utilizes water flow to generate electricity, contributing to the hydroelectric capacity in the country. It is the 195th largest hydro plant in the United States. With 102 MW, it represents 0.09% of the country's total hydro capacity of 117,947 MW. The United States has 1,469 hydro plants with a combined capacity of 117,947 MW. Compared to the largest hydro plant, Grand Coulee Dam at 6,809 MW, Hawks Nest Hydro is roughly 1/67th the size. Hydropower is a significant source of renewable energy in the United States, providing approximately 6% of the total electricity generation. The plant is located in West Virginia, a region with abundant water resources, which supports its operational efficiency. Hawks Nest Hydro is situated near the Gauley River, approximately 50 miles east of Charleston.

Capacity
102 MW
Commissioning Year
1936

90 years old

Owner
Hawks Nest Hydro LLC
Location
38.1478°, -81.1753°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 2,092. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #9,911 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,267 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.01% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

90 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Hawks Nest Hydro LLC operates 2 plants totalling 108 MW

Regional density

11 plants within 100 km, 3,237 MW combined

Nearest plant: Glen Ferris Hydro (3.4 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 38.147800, -81.175300
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Hawks Nest Hydro is a hydro power plant producing approximately 357 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 AmericaEnergy Profile

10,098
Total Plants
1420.7 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearWind
Top Fuels

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