United States

Cowans Ford — 350 MW Hydroelectric

Hydroelectric Renewable Verified

Cowans Ford is a 350 MW hydro power plant located in United States of America. View location, capacity, and technical details.

Capacity
350 MW

Installed

Commissioned
1964

Year online

Owner
Duke Energy Carolinas LLC

Operator

Location
35.43, -80.96

Coordinates

Insights

#1,048
largest in United States of America
#987
largest Hydroelectric worldwide
#5,633
largest worldwide
1964
20 yrs older than avg
32
operated by Duke Energy Carolinas…
180
plants within 100 km

Technical Details

Fuel Type
Hydroelectric
Capacity
350 MW
Commissioned
1964
Status
Operational
Owner
Duke Energy Carolinas LLC
Country
United States
Coordinates
35.435, -80.959

Carbon Footprint

Annual CO₂
29,434 t

tonnes / year

Lifetime CO₂
2,354,688 t

over ~80 yrs

Intensity
24 g

Est. gCO2/kWh

Annual emissions equivalent to

6,399
cars per year
3,924
homes per year
1,337,891
trees to offset

Renewable source — life-cycle emissions only (materials/construction), no direct combustion. Open calculator

Nearby Plants

About this plant

Cowans Ford is a hydroelectric power plant situated in the United States of America, specifically at coordinates 35.4346, -80.9588. With a capacity of 350 MW, it plays a pivotal role in the energy generation landscape of North Carolina. Operated by Duke Energy Carolinas LLC, this facility was commissioned in 1964 and utilizes the natural flow of water to generate electricity, making it a renewable energy source that contributes to the overall sustainability of the region’s power supply. The hydro technology employed at Cowans Ford allows for efficient and environmentally friendly generation, harnessing the energy of the Catawba River. This facility is particularly important for balancing the local grid, providing peak power during high-demand periods and helping to stabilize the energy supply. As part of the broader energy policy framework in the United States, Cowans Ford exemplifies the nation’s commitment to increasing renewable energy capacity while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its long-standing operation and significant capacity make it a cornerstone of renewable energy generation in the Carolinas.

More Hydroelectric plants

Spotted an error?

Our data is community-verified. If any detail looks wrong or out of date, suggest a correction below — our team reviews and applies approved changes across all languages.