World Power Plants

Peñitas Dam420 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

Peñitas Dam, located in Mexico, is a key hydroelectric power generation facility that boasts a capacity of 420 MW. Owned and operated by the Comisión Federal de Electricidad, this power plant has been an integral part of Mexico's energy infrastructure since its commissioning in 1979. Situated at coordinates 17.4461, -93.4583, Peñitas Dam is positioned in the state of Chiapas, an area rich in natural water resources, making it ideal for hydroelectric generation. The dam harnesses the flow of the Grijalva River, utilizing a run-of-river generation approach that minimizes environmental impact while maximizing energy output. As Mexico continues to strive for a more sustainable energy future, Peñitas Dam plays a crucial role in the national energy mix, providing a significant portion of the electricity needed to support local industries and residential consumption. Its capacity to generate clean energy aligns with Mexico's commitment to diversifying its energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The operational significance of Peñitas Dam is further underscored by its ability to provide energy stability in a region prone to fluctuations in demand. As a cornerstone of the local grid, the facility not only contributes to energy generation but also to the broader goals of energy transition and sustainability within the country.

Capacity
420 MW
Commissioning Year
1979

47 years old

Owner
Comisión Federal de Electricidad
Location
17.4461°, -93.4583°

Mexico, North America

Context & rankings
  • 119. largest of 419 plants in Mexico
  • #5,096 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #832 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.3% of the installed capacity of Mexico
Age & fleet comparison

47 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Comisión Federal de Electricidad operates 78 plants totalling 46,723 MW

Regional density

15 plants within 100 km, 12,118 MW combined

Nearest plant: Malpaso (33 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wikidata

Location

Coordinates:: 17.446111, -93.458333
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Peñitas Dam is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1472 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
Mexico
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

MexicoEnergy Profile

419
Total Plants
141.6 GW
Total Capacity
GasHydroOilCoal
Top Fuels

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