World Power Plants

Las Lajas hydro power station264 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

Las Lajas hydro power station, commanding a capacity of 264 MW, ranks as the 35th largest power generation facility in Chile among a total of 383 plants. This hydroelectric station represents 0.84% of the national capacity, contributing to Chile's robust energy profile dominated by hydroelectric power. Commissioned in 2013, Las Lajas employs advanced hydro technology, harnessing the natural flow of water to generate clean energy efficiently. Its strategic location within a vibrant energy cluster highlights its importance alongside nearby plants such as NUEVA RENCA, an oil facility with a capacity of 369.904 MW, and a series of hydro plants including Alfalfa and Los Cóndores, which produce 178 MW and 150 MW respectively. This diverse array of energy sources within a 50 km radius underscores the regional commitment to a balanced energy portfolio. While Las Lajas is a significant contributor to the hydro landscape, it is vital to acknowledge its place within a larger context where oil still plays a role in the energy mix. In Chile, hydropower is the primary fuel type, accounting for a substantial portion of the 31,543 MW total capacity across 383 plants. The 17th largest hydro facility in Chile, Las Lajas supports the national goal of expanding renewable energy while providing a vital backup to more variable sources. Owned by an established energy company, the plant was designed with modern environmental standards in mind, focusing on sustainability and minimizing ecological impact. As Chile continues to invest in renewable infrastructure, the role of facilities like Las Lajas will become increasingly significant in ensuring a stable energy future, contributing to economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Capacity
264 MW
Commissioning Year
2013

13 years old

Owner
Endesa Chile
Location
-33.5570°, -70.3106°

Chile, South America

Context & rankings
  • 35. largest of 383 plants in Chile
  • #6,521 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,202 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.84% of the installed capacity of Chile
Age & fleet comparison

13 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Endesa Chile operates 6 plants totalling 1,133 MW

Regional density

48 plants within 100 km, 2,533 MW combined

Nearest plant: MAITENES (5.4 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wikidata

Location

Coordinates:: -33.557000, -70.310639
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Las Lajas hydro power station is a hydro power plant producing approximately 925 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

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