World Power Plants

Ranked as the 1246th largest power generation facility in the United States, Pickwick Landing Dam holds a notable position in the energy landscape of the country, especially as the 88th largest hydro facility among 1469 such plants. With a capacity of 240 MW, this hydroelectric plant, operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority since its commissioning in 1944, contributes a modest 0.02% to the national capacity of 1,386,385 MW. The dam harnesses the flow of the Tennessee River, utilizing the principles of hydroelectric generation to convert the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity, showcasing a reliable and renewable energy source. Located in a region with diverse energy assets, Pickwick Landing Dam is complemented by nearby facilities including the Colbert Gas Plant, which boasts a capacity of 476 MW, and the River Bend Solar LLC, with a capacity of 75 MW. This combination of gas, solar, and hydro reflects a growing trend towards diversified energy production in the area. The dam plays a crucial role in stabilizing the local grid, particularly as the dominant fuel in the U.S. remains natural gas. In terms of national energy strategy, the plant exemplifies the ongoing reliance on hydroelectric power, even as gas continues to lead in overall capacity. The Tennessee Valley Authority has been at the forefront of energy production since the mid-20th century, and Pickwick Landing Dam remains a vital part of their portfolio. As the energy sector evolves, the significance of such facilities cannot be understated; they not only provide essential renewable energy but also help mitigate carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future. The enduring legacy of Pickwick Landing Dam serves as a reminder of the balance between historical infrastructure and modern energy demands.

Capacity
240 MW
Commissioning Year
1944

82 years old

Owner
Tennessee Valley Authority
Location
35.0683°, -88.2494°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,297. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #6,803 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,273 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.02% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

82 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Tennessee Valley Authority operates 60 plants totalling 47,131 MW

Regional density

12 plants within 100 km, 2,784 MW combined

Nearest plant: Packaging Corp of America (2.8 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 35.068300, -88.249400
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Pickwick Landing Dam is a hydro power plant producing approximately 841 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.