2nd largest plant in Idaho · 778th nationally
Dworshak is a hydroelectric power plant in Idaho with a nameplate capacity of 465 MW. It generates roughly 1.4M MWh per year — enough to power about 137,576 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 35% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | Dworshak |
|---|---|
| Operator | Usace Northwestern Division |
| City | Ahsahka |
| County | Clearwater County |
| State | Idaho |
| ZIP | 83520 |
| Coordinates | 46.51430, -116.29770 |
This plant highlighted in navy-ringed pin; other generators within 25 miles shown as fuel-colored dots.
| ID | Technology | Fuel | Capacity | Status | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 259 MW | Operating | 1974 |
| 1 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 103 MW | Operating | 1975 |
| 2 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 103 MW | Operating | 1975 |
| NERC Region | WECC |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | Bonneville Power Administration |
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.