World Power Plants

Ranked as the 1546th largest power generation facility in the United States, the Mitchell Dam stands out in a country dominated by gas-fired plants, which comprise a significant majority of the national capacity. With a generating capacity of 170 MW, it is one of the 1469 hydro plants in the nation, holding the 121st position among them. This facility was commissioned in 1980 by Alabama Power Co and has since played a crucial role in the local energy landscape. The Mitchell Dam utilizes hydroelectric technology, harnessing the power of flowing water to generate electricity, which is both renewable and sustainable. Located near the Coosa River, this power generation facility contributes to the region's supply while maintaining a minimal carbon footprint. The surrounding energy environment is heavily influenced by natural gas, with nearby facilities including the E C Gaston Power Station, which boasts an impressive capacity of 2034 MW, and the E B Harris Electric Generating Plant at 1304 MW. This stark contrast highlights the Mitchell Dam's unique position in a landscape primarily characterized by fossil fuel generation. Despite its small percentage share of 0.01% of the national capacity, the Mitchell Dam is vital for diversifying Alabama’s energy mix and enhancing grid reliability. With the US energy profile consisting of 10,047 total plants and a total capacity of 1,386,385 MW, the Mitchell Dam’s contribution may seem modest, but it is essential for promoting renewable energy within the region. As the world shifts towards cleaner energy solutions, facilities like the Mitchell Dam are increasingly significant in meeting local demand and supporting the transition to a more sustainable future.

Capacity
170 MW
Commissioning Year
1980

46 years old

Owner
Alabama Power Co
Location
32.8060°, -86.4449°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,597. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #7,971 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,639 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.01% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

46 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Alabama Power Co operates 25 plants totalling 12,913 MW

Regional density

24 plants within 100 km, 10,524 MW combined

Nearest plant: Lay Dam (18.8 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 32.806000, -86.444900
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Mitchell Dam is a hydro power plant producing approximately 596 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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