World Power Plants

Hungry Horse428 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Jul 2026

The Hungry Horse hydroelectric power plant, commissioned in 1952, is a pivotal facility in the United States, located at coordinates 48.3415, -114.0144. With a capacity of 428 MW, this hydro power generation facility harnesses the natural flow of the river to produce clean and renewable electricity. Operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Hungry Horse utilizes a dam-based generation technology, which is effective in converting the kinetic energy of flowing water into electrical energy. This power plant is a key component of the regional energy mix, significantly contributing to the electricity supply in the surrounding areas while promoting sustainable energy practices. The significance of Hungry Horse extends beyond mere energy generation; it plays a crucial role in flood control, irrigation, and recreational opportunities in the region. As the United States continues to focus on diversifying its energy sources and increasing the share of renewables, the Hungry Horse facility exemplifies the potential of hydroelectric power to provide a reliable and environmentally friendly energy solution. By tapping into one of the most abundant natural resources—water—this power plant not only supports local energy needs but also aligns with national objectives of increasing renewable energy capacity.

Capacity
428 MW
Commissioning Year
1952

74 years old

Owner
U S Bureau of Reclamation
Location
48.3415°, -114.0144°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 955. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #5,066 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #825 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.03% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

74 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

U S Bureau of Reclamation operates 59 plants totalling 15,054 MW

Regional density

5 plants within 100 km, 743 MW combined

Nearest plant: Stoltze CoGen1 (17.5 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 48.341500, -114.014400
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Hungry Horse is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1500 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

See Incorrect or Missing Data?

Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.