World Power Plants

Zimapán Dam292 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

The Zimapán Dam is a prominent hydroelectric power generation facility located in Mexico, specifically at coordinates 20.6634 latitude and -99.5012 longitude. With a capacity of 292 MW, this plant plays a crucial role in supporting the energy needs of the region and contributing to the national grid. Operated by Comisión Federal de Electricidad, the Zimapán Dam utilizes cutting-edge hydroelectric technology, which transforms the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity. Commissioned in 1989, this facility has been instrumental in Mexico's efforts to diversify its energy portfolio and maximize the use of renewable resources. The integration of the Zimapán Dam into the local energy landscape not only enhances power reliability but also aligns with Mexico's overarching energy policies aimed at fostering sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The dam's capabilities extend beyond electricity generation, as it also plays a role in irrigation and flood control, illustrating its multifaceted importance to the region.

Capacity
292 MW
Commissioning Year
1989

37 years old

Owner
Comisión Federal de Electricidad
Location
20.6634°, -99.5012°

Mexico, North America

Context & rankings
  • 147. largest of 419 plants in Mexico
  • #6,230 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,141 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.21% of the installed capacity of Mexico
Age & fleet comparison

37 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

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

Regional density

12 plants within 100 km, 9,028 MW combined

Nearest plant: Fernando Hiriart Balderrama (Zimapán) (20.9 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wikidata

Location

Coordinates:: 20.663373, -99.501209
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Zimapán Dam is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1023 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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