World Power Plants

Nantahala is a 43.2 MW hydroelectric power plant in the United States, operated by Duke Energy Carolinas LLC and commissioned in 1942. This facility contributes to the hydroelectric capacity in the region. Ranked #336 of 1,469 hydro plants in the United States, Nantahala represents 0.04% of the country's total hydro capacity of 117,947 MW. The largest hydro plant in the United States is Grand Coulee Dam at 6,809 MW, making Nantahala 157.5 times smaller. Nearby plants include Fontana Dam at 254.7 MW (Hydro), Calderwood at 156.6 MW (Hydro), and Cheoah at 140 MW (Hydro). The plant is located in North Carolina's Swain County, approximately 60 km west of Asheville.

Capacity
43.2 MW
Commissioning Year
1942

84 years old

Owner
Duke Energy Carolinas LLC
Location
35.2715°, -83.6762°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 3,139. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #14,862 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #3,382 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
Age & fleet comparison

84 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Duke Energy Carolinas LLC operates 43 plants totalling 24,099 MW

Regional density

52 plants within 100 km, 10,633 MW combined

Nearest plant: Fontana Dam (23.1 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 35.271500, -83.676200
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Nantahala is a hydro power plant producing approximately 151 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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