Chief Joseph Dam
2.6 GW hydro power plant in United States of America
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 1955, Chief Joseph Dam is a hydro power plant located in United States of America with an installed capacity of 2.6 GW. It is operated by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Why It Matters
Chief Joseph Dam is a critical piece of United States of America's electricity infrastructure, producing enough power for approximately 916,946 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
Chief Joseph Dam produces effectively zero operating-stage emissions, displacing roughly 9.1 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
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 916,946 US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 71 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Chief Joseph Dam produce?▾
Chief Joseph Dam has an installed nameplate capacity of 2.6 GW. At typical capacity factors for hydro plants (~42%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 916,946 US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Chief Joseph Dam located?▾
Chief Joseph Dam is located in United States of America at approximately 47.9961°, -119.6331°.
When was Chief Joseph Dam built?▾
Chief Joseph Dam was commissioned in 1955.
Who owns Chief Joseph Dam?▾
Chief Joseph Dam is owned and operated by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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 United States of America
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Grand Coulee Dam | 6.8 GW | Bureau of Reclamation |
| ⚡Robert Moses Niagara | 2.5 GW | NYPA |
| ⚡Hoover Dam | 2.1 GW | Bureau of Reclamation |
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.