World Power Plants

Round Butte Power Plant is a significant hydroelectric facility located in the United States of America, with a capacity of 372.5 MW. Owned and operated by Portland General Electric Co, this power generation facility plays a crucial role in the energy mix of the Pacific Northwest region. Commissioned in 1964, Round Butte harnesses the power of the Deschutes River, utilizing a dam-based technology that converts the river's kinetic energy into electric power. The plant's operational context is vital for maintaining grid stability and providing renewable energy, contributing significantly to the region's sustainability goals. The coordinates of Round Butte, 44.6058° N latitude and 121.2773° W longitude, place it within a stunning natural landscape, making it an integral part of the local ecosystem as well as the regional energy infrastructure. The hydroelectric power generated here is essential for meeting both peak and base load demands in the area, aligning with broader energy policies in the United States that emphasize the transition towards cleaner energy sources. Round Butte's generation technology is characterized by its efficiency in converting water flow into electricity, thus minimizing carbon emissions compared to fossil fuel-based power plants. As part of a larger commitment to renewable energy, Round Butte not only supports the local grid but also contributes to the national conversation about energy independence and environmental stewardship.

Capacity
372.5 MW
Commissioning Year
1964

62 years old

Owner
Portland General Electric Co
Location
44.6058°, -121.2773°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,020. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #5,488 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #938 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.03% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

62 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Portland General Electric Co operates 18 plants totalling 4,109 MW

Regional density

22 plants within 100 km, 591 MW combined

Nearest plant: Elbe Solar Center (5.9 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 44.605800, -121.277300
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Round Butte is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1305 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.