Churchill Falls
One of the largest power plants in Canada
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 1971, Churchill Falls is a hydro power plant located in Canada with an installed capacity of 5.4 GW. It is operated by Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corporation. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 5 power plants in Canada.
Why It Matters
Churchill Falls is a critical piece of Canada's electricity infrastructure, producing enough power for approximately 1.9 million US-equivalent households per year. Hydroelectric facilities are dispatchable: their output can be ramped up and down quickly to match grid demand, which makes them especially valuable for balancing the rest of the system.
Environmental Impact
Churchill Falls produces effectively zero operating-stage emissions, displacing roughly 19.0 million tonnes of CO2 per year compared to a coal-equivalent. Large hydroelectric projects do reshape rivers and ecosystems: they trap sediment, alter water temperatures downstream, and can block fish migration. The size of these impacts varies dramatically by site.
Fun Facts
- One of the 10 largest power plants in Canada.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 1.9 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 55 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Churchill Falls produce?▾
Churchill Falls has an installed nameplate capacity of 5.4 GW. At typical capacity factors for hydro plants (~42%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 1.9 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Churchill Falls located?▾
Churchill Falls is located in Canada at approximately 53.5333°, -64.3167°.
When was Churchill Falls built?▾
Churchill Falls was commissioned in 1971.
Who owns Churchill Falls?▾
Churchill Falls is owned and operated by Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corporation.
About Hydroelectric Power
Hydroelectric power plants use the kinetic energy of flowing or falling water to generate electricity. They are renewable, produce no direct emissions, and can provide reliable baseload power or flexible peaking capacity.
Other Hydroelectric Power Plants in Canada
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Robert-Bourassa generating station | 5.6 GW | Hydro-Québec |
| ⚡La Grande-4 | 2.8 GW | Hydro-Québec |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.