South Africa

Gariep Hydroelectric Power Station — 360 MW Hydroelectric

Hydroelectric Renewable Verified

Gariep Hydroelectric Power Station is a 360 MW hydro power plant located in South Africa. View location, capacity, and technical details.

Capacity
360 MW

Installed

Commissioned
1971

Year online

Owner
Eskom

Operator

Location
-30.63, 25.50

Coordinates

Insights

#30
largest in South Africa
#952
largest Hydroelectric worldwide
#5,549
largest worldwide
1971
13 yrs older than avg
53
operated by Eskom
11
plants within 100 km

Technical Details

Fuel Type
Hydroelectric
Capacity
360 MW
Commissioned
1971
Status
Operational
Owner
Eskom
Country
South Africa
Coordinates
-30.626, 25.504

Carbon Footprint

Annual CO₂
30,275 t

tonnes / year

Lifetime CO₂
2,421,965 t

over ~80 yrs

Intensity
24 g

Est. gCO2/kWh

Annual emissions equivalent to

6,581
cars per year
4,037
homes per year
1,376,116
trees to offset

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

Nearby Plants

About this plant

The Gariep Hydroelectric Power Station, positioned at coordinates -30.6260, 25.5040 in South Africa, is a cornerstone of the nation’s renewable energy strategy. With a robust capacity of 360 MW, this hydroelectric facility plays a crucial role in the energy generation mix of South Africa, contributing significantly to the grid operated by Eskom. Commissioned in the late 1990s, Gariep harnesses the power of the Gariep Dam, utilizing its water resources to generate clean electricity through a series of turbines. The use of hydroelectric technology not only supports the country’s quest for sustainable energy solutions but also aids in flood control and irrigation benefits for the surrounding areas. The strategic location of the Gariep facility allows it to leverage the natural flow of the Orange River, optimizing energy production during peak flow seasons. As South Africa grapples with energy supply challenges and seeks to diversify its energy sources, the Gariep Hydroelectric Power Station stands out as a reliable and efficient power generation facility. The ongoing energy policy initiatives aimed at increasing the share of renewables in the national energy portfolio further enhance the significance of Gariep, making it a pivotal player in the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

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