138th largest plant in Colorado · 6987th nationally
Basalt is a hydroelectric power plant in Colorado with a nameplate capacity of 5.0 MW. It generates roughly 16.3k MWh per year — enough to power about 1,555 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 37% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | Basalt |
|---|---|
| Operator | City Of Aspen- (Co) |
| City | Aspen |
| County | Eagle County |
| State | Colorado |
| ZIP | 81611 |
| Coordinates | 39.36306, -106.82194 |
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 | 5.0 MW | Operating | 1985 |
| NERC Region | WECC |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | Public Service Company Of Colorado |
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.