United States

Wheeler Dam — 404 MW Hydroelectric

Hydroelectric Renewable Verified

Wheeler Dam is a 404 MW hydro power plant located in United States of America. View location, capacity, and technical details.

Capacity
404 MW

Installed

Commissioned
1949

Year online

Owner
Tennessee Valley Authority

Operator

Location
34.81, -87.38

Coordinates

Insights

#984
largest in United States of America
#860
largest Hydroelectric worldwide
#5,217
largest worldwide
1949
35 yrs older than avg
60
operated by Tennessee Valley Authority
13
plants within 100 km

Technical Details

Fuel Type
Hydroelectric
Capacity
404 MW
Commissioned
1949
Status
Operational
Owner
Tennessee Valley Authority
Country
United States
Coordinates
34.807, -87.382

Carbon Footprint

Annual CO₂
33,975 t

tonnes / year

Lifetime CO₂
2,717,983 t

over ~80 yrs

Intensity
24 g

Est. gCO2/kWh

Annual emissions equivalent to

7,386
cars per year
4,530
homes per year
1,544,308
trees to offset

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

Nearby Plants

About this plant

Wheeler Dam, located in the United States at coordinates 34.8069, -87.3819, is a hydroelectric power generation facility that plays an essential role in the regional energy landscape. Owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, this plant has a capacity of 404 MW, making it a significant contributor to the energy supply in the Tennessee Valley region. Commissioned in 1949, Wheeler Dam utilizes the river’s flow to generate electricity, representing a sustainable and renewable source of energy. The hydro power generated at this facility supports both residential and industrial consumers, ensuring a reliable energy supply while helping to stabilize the grid during peak demand periods. The importance of Wheeler Dam is underscored by its alignment with the United States’ broader energy policy, which increasingly emphasizes the need for renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. The advanced turbine technology employed at Wheeler Dam enhances operational efficiency, allowing for effective energy generation with minimal environmental impact. This hydroelectric power station not only meets the immediate energy needs of the region but also contributes to long-term sustainability goals, making it a vital asset in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s portfolio. In conclusion, Wheeler Dam exemplifies the benefits of hydroelectric power generation in promoting energy security and supporting a cleaner energy future in the United States.

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.