World Power Plants

Central hidroelectrica El Quimbo400 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

Central hidroeléctrica El Quimbo is a significant hydroelectric power plant located in Colombia, playing a vital role in the country's energy generation landscape. With a capacity of 400 MW, it utilizes the hydroelectric power generation technology, which harnesses the energy of flowing water to produce electricity. Commissioned in 2015, this modern facility contributes to Colombia's commitment to renewable energy, as the nation increasingly seeks to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The plant is situated at coordinates 2.4532, -75.5644, in the Huila Department, an area characterized by its rich water resources and favorable topography for hydroelectric projects. El Quimbo is operated by Enel, a global leader in energy, which underscores the importance of international investment in Colombia's energy infrastructure. The plant not only serves the local grid but also plays a crucial role in stabilizing the national energy supply, particularly during periods of high demand. As Colombia continues to pursue energy policies focused on sustainability and innovation, El Quimbo stands out as a beacon of progress in the hydroelectric sector, highlighting the country's potential for clean energy generation.

Capacity
400 MW
Commissioning Year
2015

11 years old

Owner
Enel
Location
2.4532°, -75.5644°

Colombia, South America

Context & rankings
  • 30. largest of 127 plants in Colombia
  • #5,237 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #863 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 1.07% 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

3 plants within 100 km, 1,496 MW combined

Nearest plant: Betania hydro power plant (32 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 2.453186, -75.564389
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Central hidroelectrica El Quimbo is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1402 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.