World Power Plants

Alto Anchicayá hydro power plant355 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

The Alto Anchicayá hydro power plant is a prominent energy generation facility located in Colombia, contributing significantly to the country's electricity supply. With a generation capacity of 355 MW, this hydroelectric plant plays a pivotal role in the regional energy mix, especially as Colombia strives to enhance its renewable energy portfolio. Utilizing advanced hydro technology, the Alto Anchicayá facility harnesses the natural flow of the Anchicayá River to generate clean, renewable electricity. The coordinates of the plant, 3.6081, -76.8916, place it in a region rich in water resources, which is essential for hydroelectric power generation. This strategic location ensures a reliable and consistent energy output, helping to meet the growing demand for electricity in the surrounding areas. The significance of the Alto Anchicayá plant extends beyond its capacity; it is integral to supporting Colombia's energy security and sustainability goals. As the country aims to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the plant serves as a key asset in its transition towards a more sustainable energy future. The implementation of hydroelectric power aligns with Colombia's national energy policy, which promotes renewable resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Alto Anchicayá hydro power plant exemplifies the country's commitment to harnessing its natural resources responsibly while ensuring a stable and environmentally friendly energy supply.

Capacity
355 MW
Commissioning Year
1998

28 years old

Owner
EPM (Empresas Públicas de Medellín)
Location
3.6081°, -76.8916°

Colombia, South America

Context & rankings
  • 34. largest of 127 plants in Colombia
  • #5,600 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #973 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.95% of the installed capacity of Colombia
Age & fleet comparison

28 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

EPM (Empresas Públicas de Medellín) operates 20 plants totalling 9,011 MW

Regional density

11 plants within 100 km, 1,348 MW combined

Nearest plant: Central hidroeléctrica Bajo Anchicayá (2.9 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wikidata

Location

Coordinates:: 3.608129, -76.891578
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Alto Anchicayá hydro power plant is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1244 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
Colombia
Continent
South America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

ColombiaEnergy Profile

127
Total Plants
37.5 GW
Total Capacity
HydroGasCoalOil
Top Fuels

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