Global Power Plants Map: Interactive Energy Infrastructure Database
Explore power generation facilities worldwide with our comprehensive interactive map. From nuclear power stations and coal plants to wind farms and solar installations, discover detailed information about electricity generation infrastructure in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and across the globe.
Interactive Global Power Plants Map
Use the map below to explore power generation facilities worldwide. Click any marker to view detailed information, including capacity, fuel type, technology, ownership, and operational status. The map displays three categories: non-renewable plants (red markers), renewable energy facilities (green markers), and energy storage systems (blue markers).
Click on any power plant marker to view detailed information. Use the layer control in the top-right corner to filter by renewable vs non-renewable facilities.
Click on any power plant marker to view details
Understanding Power Plant Data
When you click on any facility, you’ll see comprehensive information:
Capacity (MW): Maximum power output in Megawatts. Large plants exceed 1,000 MW; small facilities operate under 10 MW.
Fuel Type: Energy source – coal, natural gas, nuclear (uranium), hydroelectric (water), wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, or storage (batteries).
Technology: Specific generation method – combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT), pressurized water reactor (PWR), run-of-river hydro, offshore wind turbines, photovoltaic solar, etc.
Status: Operating, under construction, proposed, mothballed, or retired. Only operating plants currently generate electricity.
Owner: Company, utility, or government entity operating the facility.
Location Details: Country, state/province, coordinates, and regional information.
Start Year: When the plant began commercial operation, indicating age and likely retirement timeline.
Power Plants by Region
Canada Power Generation
Canada generates approximately 632 TWh annually with one of the world’s cleanest electricity systems:
Hydroelectric Dominance (~60% of generation): Major facilities include Robert-Bourassa (5,616 MW), Churchill Falls (5,428 MW), and Gordon M. Shrum (2,730 MW). Quebec, British Columbia, and Manitoba are hydro-dominated.
Nuclear Power (~15% of generation): Bruce Nuclear Generating Station, Ontario (6,430 MW – world’s largest by unit count), Darlington (3,512 MW), and Point Lepreau, New Brunswick (705 MW). All use CANDU reactor technology.
Coal Phase-Out: Canada is eliminating coal-fired generation by 2030. Ontario completed its phase-out in 2014. Alberta and Saskatchewan are transitioning to natural gas and renewables.
Wind Energy: Growing rapidly with major installations in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta. Canada aims for 82% renewable electricity by 2030.
United States Power Plants
The USA operates over 11,000 power plants generating ~4,100 TWh annually:
Nuclear Leadership: 93 commercial reactors at 54 plants, including Palo Verde, Arizona (3,937 MW – largest US nuclear plant), Browns Ferry, Alabama (3,304 MW), and Vogtle, Georgia.
Natural Gas Dominance: Combined-cycle gas turbines provide flexible, efficient generation across all states, particularly Texas, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana.
Coal Decline: Hundreds of coal plants retired over the past decade. Remaining facilitiesare concentrated in Wyoming, West Virginia, and Indiana.
Renewable Boom:
- Wind: Texas leads with 40+ GW capacity; Iowa generates 58% of electricity from wind
- Solar: California dominates with Solar Star (579 MW), Topaz (550 MW), and Desert Sunlight (550 MW)
- Hydro: Grand Coulee Dam, Washington (6,809 MW) leads hydroelectric generation
United Kingdom Power Generation
The UK generates approximately 330 TWh annually, undergoing rapid transformation:
Coal Elimination: The UK completely phased out coal-fired electricity on September 30, 2024, ending 142 years of coal power. Ratcliffe-on-Soar was the last operating coal plant.
Offshore Wind Leadership: World leader in offshore wind with ~14 GW installed capacity. Major facilities include Hornsea One (1,218 MW), Hornsea Two (1,386 MW), London Array (630 MW), and Walney Extension (659 MW). Target: 50 GW by 2030.
Nuclear Power: Operating nuclear stations include Sizewell B (1,198 MW), Torness (1,185 MW), and Heysham. Hinkley Point C (3,200 MW) under construction.
Natural Gas: Pembroke Power Station, Wales (2,000 MW), and other gas facilities provide flexible generation backing up wind power.
Scotland Renewable Energy
Scotland generates over 90% of its electricity from renewables on windy days:
Onshore Wind Dominance: Whitelee Wind Farm (539 MW – UK’s largest onshore installation), Clyde Wind Farm (350 MW), and Crystal Rig Wind Farm.
Hydroelectric Power: Extensive hydro schemes including Cruachan pumped storage (440 MW), plus numerous Highland hydro installations.
Offshore Wind: Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm, Moray Firth (588 MW), Moray East (950 MW), and Seagreen (1,075 MW under construction).
Nuclear Baseload: Torness Nuclear Power Station (1,185 MW) provides consistent generation.
Australia Power Plants
Australia generates approximately 265 TWh annually, transitioning rapidly from coal:
Coal Retirement: Despite no federal mandate, economics are forcing coal closures. Eraring Power Station, NSW (2,880 MW) announced closure for 2025 (possibly 2027). Loy Yang A and B, Victoria continue operating but facing pressure.
Solar Leadership: Over 3.5 million households have rooftop solar (world’s highest per-capita adoption). Major utility-scale facilities include Western Downs (460 MW) and Darlington Point (333 MW).
Wind Expansion: Coopers Gap Wind Farm, Queensland (453 MW), Stockyard Hill, Victoria (530 MW), and numerous South Australian installations.
Battery Storage: Hornsdale Power Reserve, South Australia (150 MW / 194 MWh – famous “Tesla Battery”) and Victorian Big Battery (300 MW / 450 MWh) demonstrate grid-scale storage success.
State Differences: Tasmania (~100% renewable hydro), South Australia (~70% renewable), while Queensland remains coal-dependent but transitioning.
New Zealand Power Generation
New Zealand generates ~43 TWh annually, with over 80% from renewables:
Hydroelectric Foundation (~55-60%): Manapōuri Power Station (850 MW – NZ’s largest), Clyde Dam (432 MW), Benmore (540 MW), and Waikato River schemes.
Geothermal Excellence (~18-20%): World-class geothermal resources in Taupo Volcanic Zone, including Ngatamariki (82 MW), Ohaaki (106 MW), Wairakei (~160 MW), and Te Mihi (166 MW).
Wind Farms (~5-6%): Tararua Wind Farm (161 MW – NZ’s largest), Te Uku (64.4 MW), Te Apiti (90 MW), West Wind, Wellington (143 MW).
100% Renewable Target: New Zealand aims for 100% renewable electricity by 2030, requiring coal phase-out from Huntly Power Station and additional geothermal/wind capacity.
Ireland Wind Power Integration
Ireland generates 35-40% of electricity from wind, one of the world’s most wind-integrated grids:
Onshore Wind: Excellent Atlantic wind resources power major installations across western and midland countie,s including Galway Wind Park (169 MW).
Offshore Development: Planned projects include Dublin Array (600+ MW) and Codling Wind Park (1,100 MW).
Grid Interconnection: Two interconnectors to UK (1,000 MW total capacity) plus Celtic Interconnector to France (700 MW) planned for 2026-2027, enabling higher renewable penetration.
Peat Phase-Out: Ireland closed all peat-fired power stations (West Offaly, Lough Ree) by 2020, replacingthem with natural gas and renewables.
Types of Power Generation
Non-Renewable Energy
Coal: Highest CO2 emissions per MWh. Declining rapidly in developed nations due to environmental concerns and economic viability versus renewables. The UK completely eliminated coal (2024); Canada is phasing out by 2030.
Natural Gas: Cleaner than coal (50-60% lower emissions), flexible operation. Combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGT) achieve 55-60% efficiency. Provides backup for variable renewables.
Nuclear: Zero-carbon baseload power from uranium fission. High capital costs and long construction times limit new development. Existing plants provide reliable generation in Canada, the USA, the UK, and France.
Renewable Energy
Hydroelectric: Oldest renewable source. Provides storage capability (reservoirs) and flexible generation. Dominant in Canada, Norway, New Zealand, Brazil. Pumped storage stores energy for later use.
Wind Power: Fastest-growing renewable. Onshore wind is now the cheapest electricity source in many regions. Offshore wind (UK, Denmark, Germany) benefits from stronger, more consistent winds and larger turbines (12-15 MW).
Solar Power: Photovoltaic (PV) solar costs declined 90% over the past decade. Now cheapest electricity in sunny regions. Australia leads per-capita adoption; California dominates US solar.
Geothermal: Reliable 24/7 baseload power from Earth’s heat. Limited to geologically active regions (New Zealand, Iceland, Philippines, Kenya, California, Nevada).
Biomass/Biogas: Dispatchable renewable energy from organic materials. Best when using genuine waste (agricultural residues, landfill gas) rather than dedicated energy crops.
Energy Storage
Battery Storage: Lithium-ion batteries providing frequency regulation, peak shaving, and renewable firming. Australia’s Hornsdale demonstrates commercial viability. Costs declining rapidly.
Pumped Hydro Storage: 90%+ of global energy storage capacity. Uses electricity to pump water uphill, generated by releasing. Examples include Dinorwig, Wales (1,728 MW) and Turlough Hill, Ireland (292 MW).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How accurate is the power plant data?
A: Data comes from the World Resources Institute’s Global Power Plants Database, aggregating official sources from energy ministries, grid operators, and international agencies. Accuracy is high for developed nations (Canada, USA, UK, Australia, NZ) with transparent energy sectors.
Q: Why is offshore wind important?
A: Offshore wind benefits from stronger, more consistent winds (40-55% capacity factors vs 25-35% onshore), larger turbines (12-15 MW), less visual impact, and proximity to coastal cities. UK leads globally with 14+ GW installed; USA rapidly expanding off the East Coast.
Q: What is pumped storage hydroelectricity?
A: Pumped storage stores energy by pumping water uphill when electricity is cheap, then generates electricity by releasing water through turbines when demand is high. Provides 70-85% round-trip efficiency and most grid-scale energy storage globally.
Q: Why are coal plants closing?
A: Economics – renewable energy is now cheaper than operating existing coal plants in most markets. Environmental regulations, carbon pricing, and public opposition accelerate closures. UK eliminated coal in 2024; Canada targeting 2030; Australia’s coal fleet retiring despite no federal mandate.
Q: How much electricity does Canada generate from hydroelectricity?
A: Canada generates ~380 TWh annually from hydro (~60% of total electricity), making it the world’s second-largest hydroelectric producer after China. Quebec generates 95%+ of electricity from hydro; British Columbia and Manitoba are similarly hydro-dominated.
Q: Where are nuclear power plants in the USA?
A: USA operates 93 reactors at 54 plants, concentrated in Illinois (11 reactors), Pennsylvania (9), South Carolina (7), New York (6), and North Carolina (6). Southeast and Northeast have the highest concentrations, providing baseload power to high-demand regions.
Q: Which Australian states have the most renewable energy?
A: Tasmania (~100% renewable hydro), South Australia (~70% renewable – world-leading wind integration), Victoria (~35-40%), NSW (~30%), Queensland (~20%). Tasmania and South Australia demonstratethat high renewable penetration (70-100%) is achievable with current technology.
Q: What is New Zealand’s geothermal capacity?
A: New Zealand generates ~18-20% of electricity from geothermal power (world-class resources in Taupo Volcanic Zone). Major plants include Te Mihi (166 MW), Nga Awa Purua (139 MW), Rotokawa (138 MW), and Wairakei (~160 MW). Geothermal provides reliable 24/7 baseload power.
Q: How much wind power does Ireland generate?
A: Wind provides 35-40% of Ireland’s electricity (~10-12 TWh annually), making Ireland one of the world’s most wind-integrated grids. On very windy days, wind supplies 70-80%+ of demand. Excellent Atlantic wind resources and grid interconnectors to the UK enable high penetration.
Q: What happened to UK coal power plants?
A: UK completely phased out coal on September 30, 2024, closing Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station and ending 142 years of coal-fired electricity. Remarkably rapid transition from 40% coal (2012) to zero (2024). Replacement power from natural gas, offshore wind, nuclear, and solar.
Conclusion
Our interactive power plants map provides unprecedented access to global electricity generation data. Explore infrastructure in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand to understand how different regions generate electricity and transition toward renewable energy.
The energy sector is undergoing its fastest transformation in history. Renewable energy costs have fallen 85-95% over the past decade, making wind and solar the cheapest electricity sources in most markets. Coal plants are retiring rapidly; offshore wind is booming; battery storage is scaling exponentially.
Click on facilities to discover capacity, technology, fuel, and operational status. Filter by renewable vs non-renewable to visualize the energy transition. Understand the infrastructure powering modern civilization and the transformation toward clean energy.
Start exploring the global power generation landscape today.
Data source: World Resources Institute Global Power Plants Database, aggregating official information from governments, grid operators, and international agencies.
