World Power Plants

El Quimbo Dam396 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

The El Quimbo Dam is an impressive hydro power facility located in Colombia, boasting a capacity of 396 MW. Commissioned in 2011, this dam utilizes cutting-edge hydroelectric technology to transform the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity. Positioned at coordinates 2.4506, -75.5629, El Quimbo is strategically situated to maximize the use of the region's water resources, playing a pivotal role in Colombia's energy generation landscape. The plant is integral to the national grid, providing a reliable source of renewable energy that supports both local communities and industrial sectors. Colombia's energy policies emphasize the development of renewable resources, and El Quimbo Dam exemplifies this commitment by not only providing clean energy but also contributing to the country's goals of sustainability and energy independence. As a key player in the hydroelectric sector, El Quimbo enhances the stability of the energy supply while also promoting environmental stewardship.

Capacity
396 MW
Commissioning Year
2011

15 years old

Owner
Emgesa
Location
2.4506°, -75.5629°

Colombia, South America

Context & rankings
  • 31. largest of 127 plants in Colombia
  • #5,343 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #899 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 1.06% of the installed capacity of Colombia
Age & fleet comparison

15 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Emgesa operates 2 plants totalling 1,596 MW

Regional density

3 plants within 100 km, 1,500 MW combined

Nearest plant: Betania hydro power plant (32.2 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wikidata

Location

Coordinates:: 2.450609, -75.562935
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

El Quimbo Dam is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1388 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.