65th largest plant in Virginia · 2992nd nationally
Claytor is a hydroelectric power plant in Virginia with a nameplate capacity of 74.8 MW. It generates roughly 197.8k MWh per year — enough to power about 18,837 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 30% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | Claytor |
|---|---|
| Operator | Appalachian Power Co |
| City | Radford |
| County | Pulaski County |
| State | Virginia |
| ZIP | 24141 |
| Coordinates | 37.07500, -80.58470 |
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 | 18.7 MW | Operating | 1939 |
| 2 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 18.7 MW | Operating | 1939 |
| 3 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 18.7 MW | Operating | 1939 |
| 4 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 18.7 MW | Operating | 1939 |
| NERC Region | RFC |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | Pjm Interconnection, Llc |
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.