World Power Plants

Ranked as the 29th largest power generation facility in Venezuela, Guarenas plays a significant role in the country's energy landscape despite its modest gas capacity of 156 MW. Commissioned in 2012, this gas-fired plant contributes to approximately 0.48% of Venezuela's total installed capacity of 32,480 MW, which primarily relies on hydroelectric power. This ranking underscores the challenges faced by gas plants in a hydro-dominated energy market, where renewables have traditionally been favored. Guarenas utilizes gas as its primary fuel source, placing it 22nd among 34 gas plants in Venezuela. Technologically, the facility harnesses gas combustion turbine technology, designed for efficiency and lower emissions compared to older fossil fuel generation methods. Its operational capabilities are critical for meeting peak demand and providing backup support to the grid, especially during dry seasons when hydroelectric generation may drop. The plant is situated in proximity to two notable facilities: El Sitio, which boasts a capacity of 360 MW, and La Raisa, with 310 MW. This positioning within a cluster of gas plants highlights the regional significance of Guarenas in providing a reliable energy mix, although its capacity remains dwarfed by its neighbors. Given that the average capacity of power plants in Venezuela is approximately 754 MW, Guarenas' capacity is below the national average, indicating a reliance on larger facilities for substantial energy contributions. Despite these challenges, Guarenas' operational role is vital in enhancing grid stability and ensuring energy security. Owned and operated by the Venezuelan government, the facility exemplifies the ongoing transition within the country's energy sector. Looking ahead, as Venezuela continues to navigate economic and environmental challenges, Guarenas may play a pivotal role in diversifying its energy portfolio and integrating more sustainable practices into its operations.

Capacity
156 MW
Commissioning Year
2012

14 years old

Owner
Electricidad de Caracas
Location
10.4889°, -66.5572°

Venezuela, South America

Context & rankings
  • 29. largest of 43 plants in Venezuela
  • #8,261 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,868 of 5,146 Natural Gas plants worldwide
  • 0.48% of the installed capacity of Venezuela
Age & fleet comparison

14 years in operation

Natural Gas fleet average: 26.9 years

Operator portfolio

Electricidad de Caracas operates 14 plants totalling 5,077 MW

Regional density

4 plants within 100 km, 2,730 MW combined

Nearest plant: El Sitio (26 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 10.488900, -66.557200
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
301.3 Kt
615 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
4.22 Mt
Over 14 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2042
16 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
65.5K
cars per year
40.2K
homes per year
13.7M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Gas emission factor (490 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (45%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Gas
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
Venezuela
Continent
South America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

VenezuelaEnergy Profile

43
Total Plants
32.4 GW
Total Capacity
HydroGas
Top Fuels

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