World Power Plants

Old Hickory is a 103.7 MW hydroelectric power plant located in Tennessee, United States, operated by the USCE-Nashville District since its commissioning in 1957. The plant harnesses the energy of flowing water to produce electricity, contributing to the country’s hydroelectric capacity. It ranks as the 191st largest hydro plant in the United States. With 103.7 MW, it represents 0.09% of the nation'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, the Grand Coulee Dam at 6,809 MW, Old Hickory is about 1.5% the size. Hydropower is a significant component of Tennessee's energy landscape, contributing to approximately 15% of the state's electricity generation. The facility utilizes the Cumberland River, which is vital for both energy production and regional water management. It is located approximately 25 miles east of Nashville in central Tennessee.

Capacity
103.7 MW
Commissioning Year
1957

69 years old

Owner
USCE-Nashville District
Location
36.2972°, -86.6556°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 2,068. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #9,867 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,256 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.01% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

69 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

USCE-Nashville District operates 9 plants totalling 932 MW

Regional density

12 plants within 100 km, 4,856 MW combined

Nearest plant: Music City Community Solar (9.8 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 36.297200, -86.655600
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Old Hickory is a hydro power plant producing approximately 363 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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