World Power Plants

Central hidroelectrica Dario Valencia150 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

The Central hidroeléctrica Darío Valencia stands out as the 69th largest power generation facility in Colombia, with a capacity of 150 MW that represents a noteworthy 0.40% of the nation's total installed capacity of 37,499 MW. As a hydroelectric facility, it plays a vital role in a country where hydro power is the dominant fuel source, reflecting Colombia's abundant water resources and commitment to renewable energy. Operated by Enel, this facility harnesses the power of flowing water, employing advanced turbine technology to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy efficiently. In the surrounding area, the plant is part of a regional hydroelectric cluster that includes the La Guaca hydro power plant, which has a significantly larger capacity of 324 MW, and the Dario Valencia Samper hydro power plant, which shares its name and capacity of 150 MW. These facilities not only enhance the local grid's stability but also showcase the importance of hydroelectric power in meeting Colombia's energy needs. Furthermore, smaller plants like the Laguneta hydro power plant (21 MW) contribute to the diverse energy mix in the region. The reliance on hydroelectric power emphasizes Colombia's focus on sustainable energy solutions, positioning it as a leader in renewable energy within South America. Nationally, the landscape is characterized by a growing emphasis on hydroelectric generation, which aligns with the country's environmental goals and socio-economic needs. Central hidroeléctrica Darío Valencia exemplifies how hydro power can deliver reliable energy while minimizing ecological impact. As Colombia continues to invest in its energy infrastructure, the significance of the Darío Valencia facility will likely increase, particularly in the face of climate change and the need for sustainable energy sources. The ongoing development of hydroelectric resources in Colombia highlights the potential for further growth in this sector, ensuring energy security while contributing positively to the environment.

Capacity
150 MW
Commissioning Year
2015

11 years old

Owner
Enel
Location
4.6022°, -74.4319°

Colombia, South America

Context & rankings
  • 69. largest of 127 plants in Colombia
  • #8,356 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,769 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.4% of the installed capacity of Colombia
Age & fleet comparison

11 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Enel operates 62 plants totalling 41,422 MW

Regional density

12 plants within 100 km, 1,251 MW combined

Nearest plant: La Guaca hydro power plant (3.4 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 4.602220, -74.431850
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Central hidroelectrica Dario Valencia is a hydro power plant producing approximately 526 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

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.