Convert Megawatts to Mechanical Horsepower
Convert Megawatts (MW) to Mechanical Horsepower (hp) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
hp = MW × 1341.02209
About Megawatts
A megawatt (MW) is 10⁶ W - the standard unit for utility power plant output. A coal unit produces 300-900 MW; a large nuclear reactor 1,000-1,600 MW. Offshore wind turbines reach 15 MW each (Vestas V236-15.0). The Three Gorges Dam totals 22,500 MW. Aluminium smelters consume 500-600 MW; electric arc furnaces 100-300 MW. Solar farms are rated in MWp; pharmaceutical clean-room HVAC systems in MW. 1 MW = 10⁶ W = 1,341 mechanical hp.
About Mechanical Horsepower
The mechanical horsepower (hp) is exactly 550 ft·lbf/s ≈ 745.7 W - defined by James Watt by timing mine horses to set a comparable steam engine rating. A typical compact car produces 100-150 hp (75-112 kW); a sports car 300-600 hp; an F1 car ~1,000 hp (745 kW). SAE net horsepower is measured at the flywheel with all accessories fitted. Marine diesel engines, aircraft piston engines, and lawn equipment are still rated in hp. 1 hp = 550 ft·lbf/s = 745.6998715822704 W.
Quick Reference Table
| Megawatts (MW) | Mechanical Horsepower (hp) |
|---|---|
| 1 MW | 1341.02 hp |
| 2 MW | 2682.04 hp |
| 5 MW | 6705.11 hp |
| 10 MW | 13410.2 hp |
| 25 MW | 33525.6 hp |
| 50 MW | 67051.1 hp |
| 100 MW | 134102 hp |