World Power Plants

La Higuera hydroelectric power station155 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

The La Higuera hydroelectric power station stands out as the 54th largest power generation facility in Chile, contributing 155 MW to a national capacity that totals 31,543 MW across 383 plants. As a hydroelectric facility, it plays an important role in a country where hydro power is the dominant fuel source, accounting for a significant share of the energy mix. La Higuera represents approximately 0.49% of the national capacity, indicating its relevance in providing renewable energy in a region known for its rich water resources. The plant utilizes advanced hydroelectric technology to harness the energy of flowing water, converting it into electricity with minimal environmental impact, a crucial factor in Chile's commitment to sustainable development. Nestled within a region that includes other hydroelectric facilities, such as the nearby La Confluencia station with a capacity of 163.2 MW, La Higuera is part of a robust network of renewable energy sources. This proximity to other plants reinforces the importance of hydroelectric power in the area, which also features a mix of energy sources including oil and other renewables. Chile’s energy profile is heavily influenced by its geographic features, with substantial river systems that enable effective hydroelectric generation. The La Higuera plant, therefore, plays a vital role in stabilizing the grid and ensuring a steady supply of electricity, particularly during peak demand periods. As Chile continues to expand its renewable energy initiatives, the La Higuera hydroelectric power station exemplifies the country's dedication to harnessing its natural resources for sustainable energy production. Looking forward, the significance of La Higuera will only grow as the nation seeks to further integrate hydroelectric power into its energy strategy, creating a cleaner and more sustainable future for its citizens.

Capacity
155 MW
Commissioning Year
2015

11 years old

Owner
Colbún S.A.
Location
-34.7515°, -70.7143°

Chile, South America

Context & rankings
  • 54. largest of 383 plants in Chile
  • #8,277 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,745 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.49% of the installed capacity of Chile
Age & fleet comparison

11 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Colbún S.A. operates 15 plants totalling 1,071 MW

Regional density

22 plants within 100 km, 1,508 MW combined

Nearest plant: LA CONFLUENCIA (17.3 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wikidata

Location

Coordinates:: -34.751500, -70.714333
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

La Higuera hydroelectric power station is a hydro power plant producing approximately 543 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
Chile
Continent
South America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

ChileEnergy Profile

383
Total Plants
31.5 GW
Total Capacity
HydroGasCoalSolar
Top Fuels

See Incorrect or Missing Data?

Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.