41st largest plant in Wyoming · 3870th nationally
Alcova is a hydroelectric power plant in Wyoming with a nameplate capacity of 41.4 MW. It generates roughly 68.1k MWh per year — enough to power about 6,484 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 19% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | Alcova |
|---|---|
| Operator | U S Bureau Of Reclamation |
| City | Alcova |
| County | Natrona County |
| State | Wyoming |
| ZIP | 82620 |
| Coordinates | 42.54841, -106.71754 |
This plant highlighted in navy-ringed pin; other generators within 25 miles shown as fuel-colored dots.
| ID | Technology | Fuel | Capacity | Status | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 20.7 MW | Operating | 1955 |
| 2 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 20.7 MW | Operating | 1955 |
| NERC Region | WECC |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | Western Area Power Administration Ugp West |
Hydroelectric plants spin turbines using falling or flowing water — typically from a dam-impounded reservoir. They are dispatchable, long-lived, and emission-free at the point of generation, though large reservoirs can disrupt rivers and ecosystems and methane can be released from flooded vegetation.